Environmental Impacts of Moonstone Mining in the Ambalangoda Divisional Secretariat Division with Special Reference to Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa Grama Niladhari Divisions in Sri Lanka

 
Environmental Impacts of 
Moonstone Mining in the 
Ambalangoda Divisional Secretariat 
Division with Special Reference to 
Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa Grama 
Niladhari Divisions in Sri Lanka  
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
Volume 5 Issue 2, August 2025: 36-47 
ISSN: 2773 692X (Online), 2773 6911 (Print) 
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)  
Published by the Faculty of Social Sciences and  
Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 
Website: https://www.sab.ac.lk/sljssh 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v5i2.134
Anuththara, M.S.1* and Uduporuwa, R.J.M.2 
1,2Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 
Received: 10 January 2025, Revised: 19 July 2025, Accepted: 22 August 2025. 
How to Cite this Article:  Anuththara, M.S. & Uduporuwa, R.J.M . (202 5). Environmental impacts of moonstone mining in  the 
Ambalangoda divisional secretariat division with special reference to Meetiyagoda & Udakerewa grama niladhari divisions in Sr i 
Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(2), 36-47. 
Abstract 
The moonstone mining industry has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by increasing global demand for 
precious gemstones in both jewellery and ornamental markets. Moonstones are a unique and valuable kind of semi-gemstone and 
a specialised part of the gem mining industry. As Sri Lanka's mining industry grows rapidly, a number of effects are becoming more 
noticeable. The objectives of this study were to identify the environmental impacts of moonstone mining, identify the moonstone 
mining locations and detect the causes of environmental impacts of moonstone mining. The desired objectives were achieved using 
GIS analysis and chi-square test analysis. The study area of this study is the Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa Grama Niladhari Divisions 
in the Ambalangoda Divisional Secretariat Division. T he study assesses the environmental impacts of moonstone mining , focusing 
on the open pits, vegetation clearance, earth subsidence, and soil changes. The data  gathered from questionnaires and interviews 
revealed environmental impacts caused by human negligence and weaknesses in the legal proceedings. Seven active mining 
locations can be identified in the study area , and all active mining locations are expanded linear distribution pattern.  The findings 
offer potential implications for sustainable mining activities in the study area.   
Keywords: Moonstone, Mining Industry, Mining Locations, Environmental Impacts, Meetiyagoda & Udakerewa Grama Niladhari 
Divisions  
 
INTRODUCTION 
In the current global economic landscape, people are 
engaged in various sectors due to increasingly competitive 
economic conditions. Natural resources are spread on the 
Earth's surface as both depleting and non -depleting 
resources. The relationship between humans and the 
environment is imperative. Human existence depends 
significantly on the environment, while human actions also 
impact environmental sustainability. Human contribution to 
the existence of the environment is also important. With the 
increase in population, human needs also exceed the limit. 
At present, many resources are rapidly depleting , and their 
ability to be used has decreased. Excessive exploitation of 
natural resources  adversely affects both humans and the 
environment.  
 
Sri Lanka, a developing nation in South Asia with an area of 
65,610 square kilometres, is currently transitioning from a 
predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial one.  It is 
apparent that Sri Lankans, who were accustomed to an 
agrarian way of life, are noticing a particular affinity towards 
 
* Corresponding author: Tel.: +94 (76) 905 0224; Email: sanjuanuththara1998@gmail.com 
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2634-9266 
 
 
This article is published under the Creative Commons CC-BY-ND License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/). This license permits use, distribution, 
and reproduction, commercial and non-commercial, provided that the original work is properly cited and is not changed in anyway. 
 
the industrial sector in the present. An industry is a group of 
competitors producing substitutes that are close enough 
that the behaviour of any firm affects each of the others 
either directly or indirectly (Porter M ., 1979). Employment 
possibilities have been distributed unevenly throughout the 
primary sector, industrial sector, and service sector in every 
nation in the world. Most of the developing countries in the 
world are still based on primary sector employment 
opportunities. However, it is clear that several of the world's 
developed nations are focused on the industrial sector. 
Most developed nations only contribute to the industrial 
and service sectors, excluding the primary sector. An 
unequal distribution of employment opportunities can be 
identified in the primary, industrial and service sectors in the 
world. It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka's economy, which 
previously relied on employment in the primary sector, is 
currently leaning towards the industrial sector.  
 
In Sri Lanka, various challenges such as land constraints, 
transportation issues, human resources, and raw material 

37 
 
Anuththara & Uduporuwa (2025) 
availability have led to anomalies in industrial expansion. 
These factors contribute to the uneven geographical 
distribution of industries, including those related to mining 
and quarrying. 
 
The mining  and quarrying sector in Sri Lanka consists of 
three main sub-sectors. These are : Quarrying of 
Stone/Granite, Sand, Clay and Soil, Mining of Gems and 
Other Mining and quarrying not Elsewhere Classified. 
Mining of Gems plays a prominent role in earning foreign 
exchange for the country. According to the Central Bank 
data (2021), mining and quarrying contributed 2.1% of Gross 
Domestic Product (GDP). Its growth rate represented 2.8 % 
in 2021. Most people only know about the gem industry. In 
addition, the moonstone industry also exists in Sri Lanka. It 
is also distinctive that it is a prevalent industry mostly among 
foreigners. The moonstone industry in Sri Lanka was 
identified during the colonial period. Moonstone has a high 
value as it is not a common resource that is widespread in 
the world. Since the distribution is very less, the people who 
know about the moonstone industry are also few. The 
Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Geological Survey 
and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and National Gem and Jewellery 
Authority (NGJA) are significant government institutions in 
these mining activities.  
 
Moonstone is a sub-variety of orthoclase feldspar, which is 
a meta morphic rock composed  of sodium, potassium, 
aluminium, and silicate. It is known for its optical 
phenomenon called opalescence, which makes it highly 
attractive and valuable. The moonstones are currently sold 
at a range from one hundred rupees to ten thousand rupees 
(Divisional Secretariat Office, 2023). Moonstone can be 
found in some regions of the world. Consistent with the 
International Gem Society, the world's largest moonstone 
was discovered at Kilimanjaro in 1918. It was said to be 
between 300 and 450 carats in weight. The size of this 
moonstone may be the largest ever recorded.  
 
Moonstones are  a very attractive and relatively valuable 
mineral. It is known as ‘Sandakan’ in Sinhala, ‘Moonstone’ in 
English and ‘Chandrakantham’ in Tamil. It commands a 
significant share of the world market for precious and semi-
precious stones. Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the leading 
global producers of moonstone. However, its distribution is 
geographically limited. In particular,  Meetiyagoda and 
Udakerewa Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) of the 
Ambalangoda Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in  Galle 
district. This area is located about 9 kilometres from the 
Hikkaduwa tourist area. The moonstone mining industry has 
existed for more than a century in this area. These stones 
are called moonstone because of the belief that they are 
associated with the moon. It is believed that the rays of the 
moon fall directly on the ground in this area, and these 
minerals originate as a result of that impact. Initially, 
moonstone was discovered with kaolin clay mining and later 
gained the distinctive attention of foreign traders. In nature, 
there are blue and white colo ured stones. They have a 
brilliant appearance and are frequently used to create silver 
jewellery. The value of a moonstone is determined by its 
weight and colour. More colo ured and more weighted  
stones are more expensive. In this location, moonstone was 
found when kaolin clay was being dug out. In the past, only 
the kaolin deposit was recognised, and those who carried 
out the excavation discovered a unique kind of stone. After 
it was determined to be moonstone, people started paying 
attention to those excavations. The moonstone mining 
industry, which began in that way, is still active today. The 
Moonstone mining site is around ten feet long and five feet 
wide. The mining site is excavated at a rate of about three 
feet per day. The mining site is divided into two parts. After 
the excavation of the mine to a limited depth is done, cross-
cutting of the dona starts. In carrying out mining activities, 
soil collapse occurs in the interior of the mine (Field Survey, 
2023). To reduce that condition, coconut shoots, Wire Fern 
(Dicranopteris linearis) and Bovitia (Melastoma 
malabathricum) are used. Modern electric  equipment is 
used to supply light and air inside the mining site. Specific 
buckets and trowels are used to bring the clay -bearing 
moonstone to the ground. Excavating in mines on rainy days 
is risky. Due to this, the minimum level of the number of 
employees can be seen in the current period. The majority 
of the mines in this region are currently owned by p rivate 
owners, despite the fact that they were mostly operated by 
the government in the past. Despite the economic 
importance of moonstone mining in the study area, there is 
a lack of comprehensive research on the environmental 
impacts and the sustainabili ty of the mining practices. The 
environmental impacts of moonstone mining in the study 
area have become a significant concern due to the rapid 
expansion of mining activities in recent years. While 
moonstone mining has been a traditional source of 
livelihood for local communities, its unregulated growth has 
led to severe environmental consequences. Open pits, 
vegetation clearance, occurrence of earth subsidence and 
soil changes are key environmental issues arising from the 
mining process in the study area.  
 
Therefore, this study aims to investigate the environmental 
impacts of moonstone mining in the Meetiyagoda and 
Udakerewa GNDs of Sri Lanka. By understanding the extent 
of environmental degradation and exploring sustainable 
mining approaches, the research seeks to contribute to a 
more balanced and responsible utilisation of this valuable 
natural resource.  
Objectives of the Study 
Currently, mining-related activities are the main concern in 
Sri Lanka. There were no moonstone mining locations in Sri 
Lanka except Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa GNDs in 
Ambalangoda DSD. The main objective of this study is to 
identify the environmental impacts of moonstone mining in 
Meetiyagoda & Udakerewa GNDs in Ambalangoda DSD. The 
minor objectives are to identify the moonstone mining 
locations in Meetiyagoda & Udakerewa GNDs in 
Ambalangoda DSD and to detect  the causes of 
environmental impacts of moonstone mining in 
Meetiyagoda & Udakerewa GNDs in Ambalangoda DSD. 
Some kinds of analytical techniques are used to achieve 
those objectives in the study.  
 
As environmental impacts are studied mainly, it is important 
to take measures to minimise those negative impacts. For 
that, this study is important for policy formulation to 
minimise those effects in future. It can also be used to 
manage risks and raise awareness , and focus people’s 
attention, as the study focuses on environmental impacts. 
 
 

38 
 
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
LITERATURE REVIEW  
A number of studies on mining-related activities have been 
carried out by local and foreign researchers, but there have 
not been enough studies done on moonstone mining and its 
environmental effects globally and Sri Lankan context. 
Hazen et al. (2008) conducted a comprehensive study on 
mineral evolution, highlighting how a combination of 
physical, chemical, and biological processes influences the 
mineralogy of terrestrial planets over geological time. Their 
research introduced the concept of mineral evoluti on as a 
series of stages driven by three primary mechanisms: 
planetary accretion and differentiation, tectonic and 
geochemical processes, and biological activity. Currently, 
over 4,300 mineral species are known on Earth, with 
approximately 50 new species d iscovered annually. The 
authors aimed to understand the patterns and causes 
behind the increasing diversity and distribution of minerals 
throughout Earth's history by analysing key transformations 
in mineral assemblages linked to planetary changes. 
 
In a related regional study, Kaphle and Einfalt (2014) 
explored the prospects for mining precious and 
semiprecious stones in the Nepal Himalaya, an area known 
for gemstone occurrences spanning more than six decades. 
Prominent among these are ruby, sapphire, and topaz, with 
additional deposits of tourmaline, aquamarine, amazonite, 
gahnite, danburite, kyanite, garnet, epidote, amethyst, 
citrine, smoky quartz, agate, jasper, and transparent rock 
crystals (Kaphle, 2011). The study emphasises that 
Himalayan gemstones are in high demand in international 
markets, often preferred by collectors and buyers for their 
uniqueness. Mining operations, primarily situated in remote 
and underdeveloped regions, have contributed to local 
infrastructure development, improved living conditions, and 
economic contributions to Nepal’s gross domestic product. 
 
Kanazawa and Kamitani  (2006) examined the global 
distribution and resource potential of rare earth minerals, 
noting their uneven geographical availability. Their study 
indicated that in 2003, the majority of the world’s rare earth 
production originated from China, India, Malay sia, and Sri 
Lanka. The researchers identified and described key rare 
earth deposits, including the Bayan Obo Deposit in China, 
the Mountain Pass Carbonatite Deposit in the United States, 
the Mount Weld Carbonatite and Placer Deposits in 
Australia, and the  Ion Adsorption Clay deposits in China. 
While mining activities have increased in recent years, the 
study also highlighted growing environmental concerns 
related to chemical extraction processes, necessitating a 
more sustainable approach to rare earth mine ral 
exploitation. 
 
Dissanayake and Chandrajith (1999) investigated the 
geological link between Sri Lanka and Madagascar within the 
context of the Gondwana supercontinent, providing 
evidence for a Pan -African mineral belt. Their research 
delineated three major lithotectonic u nits in Sri Lanka: the 
Highland Complex, the Vijayan Complex, and the Wanni 
Complex. The Highland Complex includes supracrustal rocks 
derived from the former Highland Series, while the Vijayan 
Complex to the east consists of biotite-hornblende gneisses, 
metasedimentary bands, and charnockitic gneisses. The 
Wanni Complex is characterised by amphibolite to granulite-
facies rocks, pelitic to semipelitic metasediments, granitoid 
gneisses, and charnockitic intrusions. This study contributes 
to the broader understanding of the geological continuity 
between Sri Lanka and other Gondwanan fragments, 
particularly Madagascar. 
 
Jayasinghe (2019) provided an in -depth overview of gem 
resources in Sri Lanka, emphasising the country's long -
standing history and geological suitability for gem mining. 
According to the article, approximately 20% of Sri Lanka’s 
total land area has been identified as viable for gem mining 
activities. This highlights the significant economic and  
cultural role that gem resources continue to play in the 
country, reinforcing Sri Lanka's reputation as one of the 
world's key sources of high-quality gemstones. 
 
Sri Lanka's high-grade Precambrian metamorphic basement 
is separated into four major litho -tectonic units: the 
Highland Complex, the Vijayan Complex, the Wanni 
Complex, and the Kadugannawa Complex. As well as this 
study indicated the five major gem fields in Sri Lanka, 
explicitly, Ratnapura, Elehera, Bibile, Okkampitiya, and 
Kataragama. Tunnel mining, open-pit deep mining, open-pit 
shallow mining, and riverbed mining are the four types of 
gem mining in Sri Lanka. Dissanayake and Rupasingha (1995) 
proposed a  classification scheme for gem deposits in Sri 
Lanka. It is mainly based on the general classification of 
three main rock types. According to the classification 
scheme, gems are based on the source of the deposit. The 
advantage of genetic classification of gem deposits lies in its 
predictive value. Identification of such gem features may 
help locate target areas for detailed exploration. 
 
Figure 1: Gem deposits in Sri Lanka 
 
Source: National gem and jewellery authority, 1995 
 
Zwaan (1982) conducted a comprehensive study titled “Sri 
Lanka: The Gem Island,” offering a valuable synthesis of 
geological and gemological insights on Sri Lanka, based on 
his field visits between 1958 and 1981. Throughout this 
period, he examined several  major gem mining localities 
across the country, using firsthand observations to compile 
detailed data on the geology, mining practices, gem cutting 
techniques, and the characteristics of gem materials found 
in Sri Lanka. 

39 
 
Anuththara & Uduporuwa (2025) 
The study aimed to provide an overarching perspective on 
the geological setting of the island and the distinctive nature 
of its gem deposits. Zwaan identified key varieties of gem -
quality minerals, including blue sapphire, pink sapphire 
(ruby), yellow sapp hire, alexandrite, cat’s -eye chrysoberyl, 
almandine, and hessonite garnets. His research also 
demarcated the principal gem -bearing regions in Sri Lanka, 
which include: 
• Sabaragamuwa Province: Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, 
Balangoda, Rakwana 
• Central Province: Elahera 
• Uva Province: Okkampitiya 
• Southern Province: Tissamaharama (Amarawewa, 
Kochipadana), and Ambalangoda (Meetiyagoda) 
 
Zwaan’s work remains a foundational reference in Sri 
Lankan gemology and underscores the country's global 
significance in the gem trade. 
 
Nakagawa et al. (2017) focused on the kaolin deposits of 
Meetiyagoda in southwestern Sri Lanka, aiming to 
investigate the geological environment, mineral 
associations, and physical properties of the kaolinite found 
in this region. The study utilised field investigations to collect 
representative clay samples, which were later analysed 
using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron 
Microscopy (SEM) techniques. 
 
The research highlighted the uniqueness of Sri Lanka’s 
south-western coastal clay deposits, especially the kaolin 
(commonly referred to as China clay or ball clay), which has 
significant industrial value, particularly in ceramics. The 
study also found that the kaolinite in swampy conditions 
may have undergone partial recrystallisation. Notably, the 
research also included observations on moonstone 
mineralisation within the same geological setting, adding to 
the understanding of the area’s broader mineral div ersity. 
The findings complemented earlier works by Herath (1985) 
and Fernando (1986), affirming the economic and 
mineralogical importance of kaolin in Sri Lanka. 
 
Mensah et al. (2015) conducted an in -depth study on the 
environmental impacts of mining activities in the Prestea 
region of western Ghana. Ghana, recognised as the second-
largest gold producer in Africa, has experienced significant 
environmental challenges due to its mining sector. The study 
employed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, 
and Threats) analysis to interpret the collected data. 
 
The research identified critical environmental consequences 
of mining, including deterioration in water quality, 
ecosystem and vegetation loss, soil contamination, and 
degradation of land resources. The study also examined 
underlying factors contributing to persistent environmental 
degradation, such as weak regulatory enforcement and 
unsustainable mining practices. The authors concluded that 
mining, though economically beneficial, has caused 
widespread ecological damage in the region. 
 
Jain (2013) investigated the environmental degradation 
caused by open -cast mining activities in the Bundelkhand 
and Gwalior regions of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study 
emphasised both direct and indirect environmental impacts, 
including land degradation, air and water pollution, noise 
pollution, and aesthetic deterioration. 
 
Key issues identified include the improper disposal of quarry 
waste (overburden and weathered rock), which leads to land 
degradation and siltation in agricultural fields. Furthermore, 
toxic substances used in blasting operations were found to 
contaminate g roundwater sources, rendering them 
unsuitable for human use. Slurry discharge from processing 
plants was also noted to negatively affect surface water 
bodies, leading to further environmental stress. 
 
The study underscored the pressing need for 
environmentally responsible mining practices to mitigate 
the long-term ecological effects of mineral extraction. 
 
Environmental pollution causes short -term as well as long -
term damage to the ecological balance, leading to 
environmental pollution. Land pollution is one type of 
environmental pollution that occurs as a result of excessive 
resource use. For a long time, land pollution has degraded 
the Earth 's surface. The amount of damage caused by 
mining is the same whether it is done on a large or small 
scale. The majority of land issues have arisen in riverine 
areas as a result of gem mining activities along rivers. 
Changes in the Earth's surface are caused by deep 
excavations, shallow excavations, open pit excavations, and 
river-bed excavations (Katupotha, 2015). Rupasinghe and 
Cooray (1993) have discussed the environmental damage 
caused by common gem mining methods. These are the 
methods: Morphological Damage to Land Areas, Damage to 
Vegetation Cover, Damage to Forests, Damage to Fa una, 
Damage to Stream and River Banks, Sedimentation and 
Water Pollution. Jayawardhana and Udawattha (2022) have 
studied the Environmental Repercussions of Gem Mining in 
Sri Lanka. Researchers aimed to identify through this study 
the environmental impacts of gem mining activities in Sri 
Lanka and to analyse the methods employed by Sri Lankan 
gem miners in order to ascertain the environmental impacts 
of gem mining and to come up with solutions to mitigate 
those effects. Researchers collected data from observations 
and discussions. A narrative analysis of qualitative research 
was used as a data analytical method in this study. The 
contamination of water, soil erosion, deforestation, loss of 
soil nutrients, and destruction of animal habitats 
environmental impacts were noted as a result of this study. 
The three main mining methods used in Sri Lanka for this 
study were used, and the impacts on the en vironment of 
each method were also determined. Through this study, it 
has also been deliberated on how to reduce the negative 
impacts on the environment due to the mining industry. 
Cardenas-Moller et al. studied the Sustainable Development 
of the Latin Ame rican Mining Industry. Their aim was to 
identify the social dimension of sustainable development 
regarding the Latin American mining industry. They divided 
this study into two sections. Under the first section, they 
discussed the sustainable issues associated with mining and 
the community in Latin America. Under the second section, 
they introduced practical approaches and solutions to 
identified sustainability issues, and addressed the role of 
mining companies and governments regarding the 
sustainability of the Latin American mining industry. In this 
study area, there have been changes in the mining activities 
due to different reasons. Accordingly, this study explained 
that the living conditions of the people around the 

40 
 
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
traditional mining areas have also changed. The Peru Royalty 
was initiated at a rate of 20% in 1996, and it was increased 
to 50% in 2001 for the mining activities. Researchers 
identified a large concern in relation to the economic 
benefits of mining in Lat in America. They identified that 
mining companies benefited more than the local 
community. With the expansion of mining activities, the 
population of the study area also increased. With that, there 
were some cultural issues like a lack of adequate housing 
and infrastructure for migrant workers, differences between 
the behaviour and lifestyle patterns of migrant workers and 
the local community, increased prostitution and related 
venereal diseases and increased problems due to 
differences in payments between migrant workers and the 
local community. Under the second section of this study, 
researchers discussed the practical approaches and 
solutions. The approaches and solutions they identified 
were as instruments and Procedures for the Communities to 
exercise their Rights ( including Environmental Impact 
Assessments, Management Plans, Remediation/Prevention 
Plans), used Tri -directional Dialogue, used Community 
Decision-Making Model , and the need for communication 
between mining companies, local community , and local 
authorities was pointed out. 
 
Iamsupa et al. (2016) conducted a comprehensive study 
titled “Gemological Characteristics of Moonstone from Sri 
Lanka”, with the primary objective of examining the 
gemological properties, spectroscopic features, and 
chemical composition of Ceylon moonstone. Additionally, 
the study aimed to understand the structural features 
responsible for the optical phenomenon of adularescence. 
Samples were collected from the study area and subjected 
to a range of analytical techniques. 
 
Petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscopy 
coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM -EDS) 
were employed to investigate the submicroscopic features, 
including the nature of perthite. Chemical composition was 
determined through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, 
providing insights into the elemental makeup of the 
samples. The findings highlighted key gemological 
properties and clarified the role of perthitic structures in 
generating adularescence. 
 
In contrast, Kitula (2004) examined the environmental and 
socio-economic impacts of mining on local livelihoods in 
Tanzania, focusing on the Geita district. Using a mixed -
method approach, the study collected both primary and 
secondary data. Primary data collection techniques included 
participatory rural appraisal (PRA), participant observation, 
and formal and informal surveys. Data analysis involved 
statistical tools such as analysis of variance (ANOWA) and 
Chi-square tests, supplemented by field investigations. This 
research emphasised the socio-economic consequences of 
mining activities, highlighting implications for sustainable 
development. 
 
The growing demand for moonstones in the global jewellery 
market has brought increased attention to the moonstone 
mining industry. However, research on this sector remains 
limited, particularly regarding the challenges and 
opportunities associated with sustainable practices. Existing 
studies have not sufficiently exp lored technological 
innovations such as automated mining or environmentally  
responsible extraction methods that could mitigate 
ecological damage. Additionally, issues such as market 
volatility, supply chain transparency, and ethical sourcing 
remain understudied. Although Sri Lanka is renowned for its 
gem mining heritage, there is a notable gap in the literature 
specifically addressing moonstone mining in regions like 
Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa GNDs. F uture research 
focusing on sustainable technologies and supply chain 
governance is critical for enhancing the long -term viability 
and ethical standards of this industry. 
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
Figure 2: Methodology chart 
 
Source: Developed by author, 2023 
Study Area 
Ambalangoda is one of the major towns of the Galle District 
in the Southern Province. 3.5% of the total land area of the 
Galle district belongs to the Ambalangoda DSD , and it 
consists of 5200.1 hectares and 36 GNDs (Divisional 
Secretariat Office, 2023). The relative  location of the 
Ambalangoda area borders Balapitiya DS from the north, 
Karandeniya and Baddegama DS from the east, 
Gonapinuwala DS from the south-east and the Indian Ocean 
from the south and west. The absolute  location of the 
Ambalangoda DSD is between 6° 03`N to 6° 14`N latitude 
and between 80° 03`E to 80° 10`E longitude. The total area 
of the study is 366.6 hectares. 171.1 hectares belong to 
Meetiyagoda GND, and 195.5 hectares belong to Udakerewa 
GND (Divisional Secretariat Office, 2023). 
 
Only the central part of the Ambalangoda DSD is slightly 
elevated, and all other zones are plain. The highest zone of 
the division is not more than 300 feet. The entire region 
covers a total of 0.8 % slopes. Based on the existing land 
condition in the area, physical as well as human activities 
have been well spread.  The study area belongs to the 
lowland wet zone. Hence, there is significant rainfall 
throughout the year. The expected rainfall is 1,575 mm. The 
probability of rainfall of this amount is higher than 75%. The 
geological survey of the entire region reveals that it is 
composed of prehistoric Cambrian rocks. That is about 600 
million years ago. Red Lateritic soil and Quartz Red Yellow 
Podsol soil are prevalent throughout the area. This soil 

41 
 
Anuththara & Uduporuwa (2025) 
covers about 60% of the total land area. Thereafter, mainly 
Half Bog soils and Bog with Alluvial mixed soil cover 33 % of 
the land area (Divisional Secretariat Office, 2023). Although 
these are widely distributed, other categories do not 
represent such an important distribution. In terms of 
mineral resources, two types that are endemic to both GNDs 
can be identified: Kaolin Clay & Moonstone Rocks. Blue and 
white moonstones can be found in this area. Those are a rare 
species of gem. These moonstones contain t hree minerals 
that are Silicon, Calcium and Phosphorus. 
 
Figure 3: Location of the study area 
 
Source: Developed by author based on 1:50000 digital data, 
Survey Department of Sri Lanka, 2018 
Data Collection Methods 
Both primary and secondary data collection methods were 
used to collect data in the study. This study also used both 
qualitative and quantitative data. This study is mostly based 
on primary data. There has been no proper institutional data 
update on moonstone mining in the country. The data 
required for the study are collected based on the respective 
industry in this area and the Ambalangoda DSD. In order to 
obtain the primary data , three main methods , 
questionnaires, interviews and field surveys were carri ed 
out. All primary data collection methods were used to prove 
the environmental impacts of moonstone mining in the 
study area. Field surveys, points of GPS locations data and 
1:50000 digital data were used to identify the factors 
affecting the locations of moonstone mining. 
Questionnaires and interviews were used to identify 
relevant causes of the environmental impacts of moonstone 
mining.  
 
100 people were selected as the sample for intentional, and 
the sample is divided into 45 each for both GNDs and 10 for 
relevant government officials. The 10 government officials 
are used to get details , including two GN officers, two 
Development Officers (DO), two officers of the NGJA and 
four officers of the DS office, including the planning unit and 
land unit. Out of 100 people in the sample, 40 people 
representing both GNDs were used to get the data by using 
the questionnaire. The researcher gave 25 que stions per 
questionnaire to one person in the sample for 40 
questionnaires. 60 interviews were conducted here. There, 
30 people from Meetiyagoda GND, 20 people from 
Udakerewa GND and 10 people representing government 
officials were interviewed. Informal di scussion was used as 
the interview method to collect data. This sample was 
randomly selected. Field surveys were more important to 
verify the accuracy of the collected primary data. The 
participatory field survey method was directly used here. 
Since this s tudy primarily aimed at environmental impacts, 
it was more appropriate to use field surveys. 1:50000 digital 
data from the Survey Department of Sri Lanka in 2018 was 
used to create the maps in this study. Previous research, 
annual reports and publications were used to collect 
secondary data. Environmental impacts, locations of 
moonstone mining and industry and government 
regulations were identified through secondary data.  
Data Analytical Techniques 
The data which were collected from both primary and 
secondary methods were analysed using the ArcGIS 10.4 
software, SPSS software and MS Excel 2013 office package. 
GIS visualisations were done using ArcGIS 10.4 software. GIS 
and GPS were used to create the study area map and the 
map of mining locations in the study area. A map of mining 
locations was created based on the GPS points obtained in 
the moonstone mining sites during the field surveys. GIS 
visualisation was used to identify the factors affecting the 
locations of moonstone mining. Descriptive statistics 
analysis can be described as a method used to analyse the 
primary data obtained. SPSS software is used to execute this 
analysis. The chi-square test method is used to show 
whether there is a relationship/or no relationship between 
mining activities and environmental impacts in the study 
area. The study is based on the Pearson chi-square test. This 
analytical technique was used to prove how the moonstone 
mining impacts the environment in the study area. For chi 
chi-square test to be proven, the P value must be less than 
the Chi value. The following h ypotheses were formulated , 
and the objectives were achieved relevant to this study.  
• There is no relationship between moonstone 
mining activities and their environmental impacts. 
• There is a relationship between moonstone 
mining activities and their environmental impacts. 
 
Maps, tables and charts were used to present the data , 
which was analysed. Maps were used to illustrate the study 
area and the location of the moonstone mining. Tables were 
used to present the data in a concise and easily understood 
manner. Graphs were used to visually represent the data 
obtained from interviews and questionnaires. The data 
obtained from the community knowledge was represented 
through charts. Images were used to present data obtained 
from field surveys.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
Factors Affecting the Location of the Moonstone 
Mining Industry 
There were some factors that determined the location of the 
industry, according to the interviews and questionnaire 
survey carried out to collect data regarding factors affecting 
the location of the moonstone mining industry in this area. 

42 
 
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
The factors that have the greatest influence on where the 
moonstone mining industry is located are: availability of raw 
materials, land, transportation, human capital and market. 
Based on the questionnaire, findings revealed that 87.5% of 
the participants identified the availability of raw materials as 
a significant factor influencing the expansion moonstone 
industry in the study area. 75 % of respondents emphasised 
the importance of human capital, 70 % highlighted the role 
of the market, 55% highlighted transportation as a factor , 
and 45 % acknowledged the influence of land on the 
expansion of the moonstone industry. The data show that 
the main driving forces behind where an industry is located 
are raw materials, human capital, and the market.  
 
Figure 4: Factors affecting moonstone mining in the study 
area 
 
Source: Questionnaire survey, 2023 
 
Mining industries are definitely based on raw materials. 
Therefore, it is a crucial factor in determining the location of 
the mining industry. The mining industry must extract the 
materials from the mining site. Only stones are not extracted 
in this industry; instead, clay with stones is mined together 
in a systematic way to obtain moonstones. Moonstones are 
not widely spread in the world, but only a few locations 
allow for the identification of certain moonstone types. The 
uniqueness of this study area is that it is the only location in 
the world where moonstones are excavated from Sri Lanka. 
This is the main reason this industry is limited to this area.   
 
In particular , for the mining industry, human capital is a 
crucial consideration when choosing an industrial location.  
Because of this, this industry needed a labour force. Any 
industry that is situated in a region with low labour power 
will undoubtedly fail. For the moonstone mining industry, a 
better understanding and awareness are essential. It is 
common to inherit that knowledge. In addition to 
moonstone mining and the jewellery manufacturing sector 
also needs human capital. Even if only a small amount  of 
machinery is used, it still requires labour to operate. 
Transportation is one of the major infrastructure elements 
that determines where an industry is located. The study area 
has a developed transportation system. Additionally, there 
has been a significant improvement to the road system. Due 
to easy access to moonstone jewellery showrooms, its 
market is also strong. The distance between the study area 
and the Hikkaduwa tourist area is about 10 kilometres. 
Additionally, being able to quickly reach the K urundugaha 
and Baddegama interchanges of the Southern Expressway 
has assisted in promoting the moonstone mining industry. 
Another important factor is the market. Especially, this 
industry is aimed at the international market. In here, there 
are no specific international buyers. Interview data revealed 
that almost every tourist who comes to witness this industry 
in this area brings some kind of jewellery. There are almost 
no market opportunities for this industry in Sri Lanka. Supply 
must meet demand, and demand must meet supply, both of 
which are essential for any industry. The market for the 
moonstone industry is virtuous. In the foreign market, there 
is a large demand for moonstone jewellery. The market for 
this industry experiences little disruption because foreign 
tourists frequently travel to the southern tourist areas, 
including Hikkaduwa, making it simple to keep it at a steady 
level. 
 
According to the questionnaire and interview surveys, there 
were currently no illegal mining pits, and all of the ones that 
were there were legal in the study area. An average depth 
mine is around 80 feet (Interview and Field Survey, 2023). 
There were some abandoned mining pits that could  be 
found in this area. But Figure 03 represents the active mining 
pits in the study area. This area contains seven moonstone 
mining pits. The map was created based on the data 
obtained by GPS coordinates during the field surveys. Along 
with those mining pits, a jewellery store has been 
established nearby. A unique pattern can be seen that 
almost all the mining pits in the study area are located on 
both sides of the main road in this area. Five mining 
locations were located in Meetiyagoda GND, and two mining 
locations were located in Udakerewa GND. A linear 
distribution pattern can be detected in the study area. 
 
Table 1: GPS values in the moonstone mining locations 
Name Latitude Longitude 
M1 6° 11` 53"N 80° 5` 52"E 
M2 6° 11` 47"N 80° 5` 48"E 
M3 6° 11` 42"N 80° 5` 45"E 
M4 6° 11` 36"N 80° 5` 47"E 
M5 6° 11` 28"N 80° 5` 49"E 
M6 6° 11` 22"N 80° 5` 45"E 
M7 6° 11` 35"N 80° 5` 48"E 
Source: Field surveys, 2023 
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Highly Affected Moderately Affected Not Affected

43 
 
Anuththara & Uduporuwa (2025) 
Figure 5: Moonstone mining locations (active) in the study 
area 
 
Source: Developed by  author - Survey D epartment of Sri 
Lanka, 2018 & field surveys, 2023 
Environmental Impacts of Moonstone Mining 
The global implications of mining on the environment are a 
significant issue of concern. Mining affects water, soil, air, 
wildlife, human habitat, agricultural land , water courses, 
forest land, and recreational land. Mining creates noise 
pollution, dust, disturbance due to truck traffic, 
sedimentation and erosion, land subsidence, and vibration 
from blasting (Sengupta, 2021). Environmental Impacts of 
Mining: Mining and the Environment. The need to use more 
resources has increased along with human needs. Alt hough 
moonstone can be found in some areas in the world, 
orthoclase-type moonstone can only be found in the study 
area of the world, which makes it unique. Since the 
moonstone industry has existed in this area for a long time, 
its influence is also growing. Moonstones do not recur, so 
they are not a renewable resource. Some claim that it has 
almost entirely vanished at this time. 70 % of the 
respondents reported moonstone depreciation at this time. 
Because there was a greater need than there is moonstone, 
mining continues. This had a number of negative effects on 
the environment. Moonstone mining makes a number of 
environmental impacts, such as the problem of open pits, 
vegetation clearance, and the occurrence of earth 
subsidence and soil changes. Based on the informal 
discussions, 78% of respondents reported that they were at 
risk of open pits and vegetation clearance each, 40 % of 
respondents reported that  they were at risk of earth 
subsidence, and 88 % of respondents reported that  they 
were at risk of soil changes in both GNDs. 
 
 
 
Figure 5: Environmental impacts due to the moonstone 
mining industry 
 
Source: Questionnaire survey and interview, 2023 
Open Pits 
H0 – There is no relationship between the occurrence of 
open pits and the moonstone mining industry.  
H1 - There is a relationship between the occurrence of open 
pits and the moonstone mining industry. 
 
Table 2: Chi square test: impact of open pits 
 Value df Asymptotic 
significance (2-
sided) 
Pearson Chi-Square 8.473a 3 .037 
Likelihood Ratio 6.171 3 .104 
Linear-by-Linear 
Association 
4.616 1 .032 
N of Valid Cases 100   
a. 4 cells (50.0%) have expected count less than 5. The 
minimum expected count is .77. 
Source: Sample survey, 2023 
 
Decision - Since the P value (.037) is less than the Chi value 
(0.05), the H 0 hypothesis can be rejected and the H 1 
hypothesis can be accepted. According ly, the moonstone 
mining industry has an impact on the occurrence of open 
pits in the study area. 
 
Mining is the main activity associated with the moonstone 
mining industry. In that case, it is essential to get permission 
from the NGJA in Sri Lanka to start the excavation in a mine. 
Although the institution responsible for mining activities is 
the GSMB, since moonstone is a semi -gem, all its activities 
are under the control of the NGJA. Only after taking into 
account every requirement of the owner and the concerned 
area is a mining license granted. To the owner who is 
concerned that permission has been g ranted to dig a mine, 
a legal license is issued. An average moonstone mine is only 
used for about 5 –6 years, compared to a mine's maximum 
useful life of about 7-8 years. The rotted wood that was used 
in the mine is the primary cause of this. After using the mine, 
the owner must refill the old mine before beginning the new 
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Open Pits Vegetation
Clearance
Earth
Subcidence
Soil Changes
Probability of Occuring (%)
Environmental Impacts
Meetiyagoda Udakerewa

44 
 
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
one. Without such closure, the NGJA will not get permission 
to start mining again, and the license will not be issued. 
 
But there were currently a number of issues with the 
moonstone mines. The main problem was not to fill the 
mine again. As a result, some unfilled mines can be found in 
the study area (Interview, 2023). Due to this, mine owners 
have stopped investing in this s ector of the economy, and 
there aren't enough raw materials to fill the mine. The fact 
that only 35 –40% of a dug hole can be filled using the 
leftover materials from the clay extracted during moonstone 
excavation is a problem (Divisional Secretariat Office, 2023). 
The fact that these excavations' open pits were never filled 
in causes long-term issues. Those open pits in the area 
eventually turn into inland freshwater ponds. Furthermore, 
the accumulation of water for an extended period of time 
due to non-use poses a risk of disease transmission. The risk 
of diseases like dengue is also increased by the presence of 
open pits (Questionnaire Survey, 2023). The mine has been 
refilled, and the surrounding area forested as well. In some 
cases, it was impossible to tell that an open pit had been 
abandoned as a result. There were also risks to life, 
according to the community of the area. Due to depletion of 
resources and insufficient technical knowledge , some 
industry owners were already gradually leaving the industry 
at present (Interview, 2023). They do not fill the previous 
mining pit because they do not need to apply for a license 
once more. It developed into an open pit nearby. 
Vegetation Clearance 
H0 – There is no relationship between the vegetation 
clearance and the moonstone mining industry.  
H1 - There is a relationship between the vegetation 
clearance and the moonstone mining industry. 
 
Table 3: Chi-Square Test - impact of vegetation clearance 
 Value df Asymptotic 
Significance (2-
sided) 
Pearson Chi-Square 10.202a 3 .017 
Likelihood Ratio 7.754 3 .051 
Linear-by-Linear 
Association 
4.948 1 .026 
N of Valid Cases 100   
a. 4 cells (50.0%) have expected count less than 5. The 
minimum expected count is .64. 
Source: Sample survey, 2023 
 
Decision - Since the P value (.017) is less than the Chi value 
(0.05), the H 0 hypothesis can be rejected and the H 1 
hypothesis can be accepted. According ly, the moonstone 
mining industry has an impact on the vegetation clearance 
in the study area. 
 
According to the data obtained from the research sample, it 
was identified that the impacts on the vegetation cover of 
the study area due to the moonstone mining industry were 
increasing. The impact on the vegetation cover has been 
through several dimensions. Paddy, coconut and cinnamon 
cultivations were the main agricultural products of the study 
area. 
 
Vegetation clearance changes were also related to 
population and development activities in the area. Among 
these, the main reasons were the use of tree raw materials 
like Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) wood and Fern leaves 
(Tracheophyta).  in the excavation of a  new mine, the 
clearing of the land for the construction of moonstone 
jewelry showrooms, the clearing of the land due to 
settlement of some people who came for work in this area 
(Questionnaire Survey and Interviews, 2023). Vegetation 
clearing had an impact  on habitat loss and ecosystem 
processes. Coconut rafters were used to prevent collapses 
that occur inside the moonstone mine after digging. There, 
the trunks of the coconut tree s were separated into parts 
and used for that. At least 5 -7 coconut trees were used for 
one mine. 
Occurrence of Earth Subsidence 
H0 – There is no relationship between the occurrence of 
earth subsidence and the moonstone mining industry.  
H1 - There is a relationship between the occurrence of earth 
subsidence and the moonstone mining industry. 
 
Table 4: Chi-square test - impact of earth subsidence 
 Value df Asymptotic 
significance (2-sided) 
Pearson Chi-Square 8.190a 3 .042 
Likelihood Ratio 8.343 3 .039 
Linear-by-Linear 
Association 
3.606 1 .058 
N of Valid Cases 100   
a. 2 cells (25.0%) have expected count less than 5. The 
minimum expected count is 2.40. 
Source: Sample survey, 2023 
 
Decision - Since the P value (.042) is less than the Chi value 
(0.05), the H 0 hypothesis can be rejected and the H 1 
hypothesis can be accepted. According ly, the moonstone 
mining industry has an impact on the occurrence of earth 
subsidence in the study area. 
 
About 30 to 40 feet into the earth, there are moonstones 
that must be mined. To prevent the mines from exploding, a 
variety of strategies are used. Many of these techniques are 
both traditional and specific to the industry. The community 
of the area believed that the land in the study area may sink 
in the future as a result of excavations done inside the earth. 
They claim that as the soil layers in the in terior go through 
different changes, such conditions will start to appear. The 
Earth's surface received a lot of thrust in locations where 
mining activities are carried out using large machinery. It 
influences alterations in the internal conditions of the Earth. 
Various changes occur inside a mine over the course of the 
five or six years that excavation activities are conducted 
there. Although the impact of these cannot be observed 
from the outside, they can be demonstrated scientifically. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

45 
 
Anuththara & Uduporuwa (2025) 
Exhibit 1: Wall cracks of the house in the study area, (a) wall 
crack of Meetiyagoda GND and (b) wall crack of Udakerewa 
GND 
 
Source: Field observation, 2023 
 
The walls of some homes in the study area had scratches on 
them, as observed during the field surveys. One of them 
stands out for being recently constructed. These cracks were 
present in some of the houses in the area, according to the 
data from the interviews. There were 1083 houses in the 
entire study area, 617 in Meetiyagoda GND and 466 in 
Udakerewa GND (Divisional Secretariat Office, 2023). This 
area has a number of structures, including public spaces, 
businesses, and more. Both property damage and a 
significant loss of life will result from the future submersion 
of this area. This circumstance cannot be anticipated to 
occur anytime soon due to the low probability of 
earthquakes in Sri Lanka. Since this industry has been 
operating for a considerable amount of time, it is impossible 
to make a precise prediction. 
Soil Changes 
H0 – There is no relationship between the soil changes and 
the moonstone mining industry. 
H1 - There is a relationship between the soil changes and the 
moonstone mining industry. 
 
Table 5: Chi-square test - impact of soil changes 
 Value df Asymptotic 
significance (2-
sided) 
Pearson Chi-
Square 
11.913a 3 .008 
Likelihood Ratio 11.013 3 .012 
Linear-by-Linear 
Association 
6.936 1 .008 
N of Valid Cases 100   
a. 3 cells (37.5%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum 
expected count is 2.24. 
Source: Sample survey, 2023 
 
Decision - Since the P value (.008) is less than the Chi value 
(0.05), the H 0 hypothesis can be rejected and the H 1 
hypothesis can be accepted. According, the moonstone 
mining industry has an impact on the soil changes in the 
study area. 
 
Soil conditions have changed significantly as a result of 
moonstone mining activities. During the study, a number of 
conditions, including deterioration of soil structures, 
instability of soil moisture, decline in soil fertility, and 
ongoing changes in the soil's top layer, could be found 
(Questionnaire and Field Survey, 2023). The structure, 
texture, density, acidity, salinity, and other characteristics of 
the soil changed as the soil's fertility declined. Mining for 
moonstone in this area is similar to mi ning for kaolin clay. 
These two sectors of the economy have helped make this 
area more well -known. However, due to the kaolin clay's 
depletion, there are currently very few kaolin mining 
activities. There was also a problem with the use of large 
machines for excavation work in both of these sectors. The 
use of heavy machinery , such as excavator machines , has 
also had a major impact on the soil. There was no approval 
for these mechanical mining activities for every mine , and 
the NGJA has given permission for  mining activities using 
machines only for the purpose of reducing the risk to lives in 
the community. 
 
As well as, it was mentioned above that there was a 
relationship between the clearing of vegetation and the 
moonstone mining industry. The removal of vegetation had 
a direct impact on how the soil changed. Circumstances like 
soil erosion and soil degradation were exacerbated when 
soil is directly exposed to the air and has no vegetation to 
protect it in the surrounding areas of Meetiyagoda junction. 
Despite the fact that mining activities will affect the soil, 
landslides will not be a risk in this area beca use it is a plain 
area. 
 
Exhibit 2: Soil extracted from a mine 
 
Source: Field observations, 2023 
Causes of Environmental Impacts of Moonstone 
Mining 
The development of the industry in the study area and the 
ensuing effects on the environment has been influenced by 
a number of factors. All mining sites and areas related to 
mining share these causes. The effects of these causes can 
be reduced by using proper management.  
 
The moonstone mining industry is governed by a legal 
framework. It is possible to see that, in some situations, the 
way that the law is applied has some failings. The primary 
institution in charge of the mining of gems and semi-gems is 
the NGJA. The Sri La nka Police is another responsible 
institution when it comes to the gem industry in Sri Lanka, 
but that is unimportant in this situation. This is not the case, 
as shown by the fact that there are no illegal mining pits in 
the study area. Mining licenses sho uld be issued by and 
under the supervision of the NGJA. However, information 
gathered from interviews indicated that there were times 
when mining activities were not conducted in accordance 
with the terms of mining licenses. These are incredibly 
uncommon cases, in their opinion. It is obvious that there 
was insufficient legal action taken against excavations that 

46 
 
Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 
were carried out in violation of the license's rules and 
regulations. Responsible government institutions should 
regularly monitor mining activities and conduct on -site 
inspections. 
 
The way people act has a direct impact on the moonstone 
mining industry affects the environment. This is not due to 
industry participants' ignorance; instead, the impacts are 
due to their lack of concern. They are unaware that certain 
circumstances have an impact on the environment, despite 
knowing this. Because they are not engaged in the industry 
at present, some people have abandoned the mining pits. It 
significantly affects the study area. However, the 
information from the interviews showed that despite  their 
awareness of the impact, they do not give a damn about it. 
This means that even though the populace is unconcerned 
with the negative effects of the moonstone mining industry, 
their level of education is generally high. About twenty -five 
workers work in one mine. People are reluctant to work in 
mines because of the risks of the job (Interview, 2023). 
Those who are employed in the industry are educated to 
some extent, despite the fact that the education level has no 
direct bearing on these related empl oyments. Out of 100 
samples, 45 people were engaged in industry-related 
employment. The figure below shows their education level. 
4% of people were educated up to grade five, 40% of people 
were educated up to O/L, 42 % of people were educated up 
to A/L, and rest of 13% of people had completed their higher 
education. 
 
Figure 7:  Education level of people engaged in the 
moonstone mining industry 
 
Source: Questionnaire survey and interview, 2023 
CONCLUSION 
This research provides an exploration of the environmental 
impacts of moonstone mining in Ambalangoda DSD, 
focusing especially on Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa GNDs. 
The moonstone mining industry has a significant economic 
impact, but it also has environmental consequences that 
need to be controlled. For that, a variety of management 
strategies could be used, and some actions have al ready 
been taken. However, the data obtained from the interviews 
showed that they have some weaknesses that prevent them 
from operating effectively. As a result, while some strategies 
can be applied at the community level, others require direct 
institutional involvement. A unique feature of this area's 
moonstone type is that it can only be found in this study area 
in the entire world. Moonstone is a type of feldspar. It 
belongs to the orthoclase subtype of feldspar. As a result, 
there is a significant industry and a high level of demand for 
this mineral. The finding reveals seven active mining pits 
that are all licensed legally and are also present in the area. 
There is a unique pattern to the mine's location in the area. 
The only locations of the mining pits in the study area are on 
either side of the main road, all of which are close to the 
main town in the study area. Additionally, everyone involved 
in the manufacture of jewellery has a thorough 
understanding of technical knowledge. The sample surveys 
indicate that the moonstone mining industry is directly 
responsible for the negative effects on the environment. The 
study’s findings revealed that it was possible to find open 
pits, vegetation clearance, risk of earth subsidence, and 
changes in the soil in the study area. These environmental 
effects have been caused by the creation of open pits as a 
result of the mine not being filled in again, the clearing of 
vegetation due to various industry-related activities, earth 
subsidence as a result of mining activities being carried out 
deep to the earth, and the direct impact on the existence of 
the soil layers. After mining is complete in a legal mine, the 
mine must be refilled. However, occasionally the mine is not 
refilled once more. In the study area, the mine is frequently 
not refilled or rehabilitated, which has had an impact. After 
a license is granted, a new license is given after the previous 
mine has been refilled. By focusing deep understanding of 
the moonstone mining industry in Sri Lanka, the government 
can develop strategies to navigate the consequences and 
challenges posed by moonstone mining. 
Recommendations 
After mining activities, abandoned open pits can become the 
source of life -threatening situations and the spread of 
diseases like dengue. Freshwater fish culture ponds can be 
created in open pits. By doing this, a new auxiliary industry 
will be established in the area, and by allowing the people of 
the study area to participate in it, a new source of income 
will be made available. Reforestation projec ts can be 
implemented, and the community of the area should be 
encouraged to do so in order to stop the dest ruction of the 
vegetation cover. At the level of the mining firms in the 
study area, it is also possible to give the necessary 
instructions for carrying out those projects. People can also 
be aware of soil conservation techniques simultaneously 
with these reforestation programs. It is obvious that the 
buildings were constructed close to the exciting mines. 
Building construction should be restricted or avoided for a 
specific distance away from the mining activities due to the 
risk of earth subsidence.  It is possible that the buildings 
should be located 150 meters away from the mining pits. A 
proper implementation of the institutional process relating 
to mining activities is required. For mining activities, there is 
a specific legal framework, but it has some weaknesses. 
Continuous monitoring by t he responsible government 
institutions should be carried out from the start of a mine's 
excavation to the time it is stopped. Aside from that, it is 
necessary to update existing rules and regulations or 
introduce new rules and regulations. 
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