The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development has invited organizations to participate in the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Integrated Mine Development and Value-Added Graphite-based Product Development at the Kahatagaha Graphite Mine under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The project will be carried out through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created specifically to develop, operate, and manage the Kahatagaha Graphite Mine along with its value-addition facilities. The Government of Sri Lanka will hold the majority ownership of the SPV, while the chosen private partner will contribute equity investment and conduct mineral exploration activities to identify and confirm graphite reserves. Through the SPV, the private partner will also be responsible for mine development, modernization, and the establishment of value-added graphite production. The project will involve activities such as geological surveys, estimation of mineral reserves, mine planning, expansion of underground infrastructure, improved extraction techniques, and the use of modern mining and safety technologies to enhance operational efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability. The scope of work includes:

• Prepare detailed designs and technical plans for modernizing and expanding the underground mining operations and for developing value-added graphite processing facilities. This involves carrying out geological studies, estimating resources, mapping reserves, conducting feasibility and environmental assessments, and securing all necessary approvals and regulatory permits. In addition, the investor must determine the land area, utilities, and infrastructure needed for the successful implementation of the project.
• develop upgraded underground mining infrastructure and establish graphite value-addition facilities at approved locations. This includes implementing efficient extraction methods, modern processing systems, and the necessary logistics infrastructure for the transport, storage, and handling of mined and processed materials.
• operating and maintaining the upgraded mining and processing facilities while ensuring continuous production and compliance with performance, environmental, and safety standards.
• obtain full private-sector financing for the project, including arranging funds and managing all related financial risks.
• introduce modern mining and processing technologies to improve efficient extraction and high-quality graphite production, and after the 30-year project period, all facilities will be transferred to the Government of Sri Lanka or its designated authority.

For more information, like Role of the Private Partner and Eligibility Criteria, please visit our Business Opportunity page here.