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

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. The 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.