Titanium Sands (ASX:TSL) has lodged applications for an industrial mining licence for the proposed development of its Mannar Heavy Minerals Project in northwest Sri Lanka, with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau formally acknowledging receipt of the applications.
The project, covering 69km2, hosts a mineral resource estimate of 318 million tonnes at 4.17% total heavy minerals, including a high-grade Stage 1 zone of 82 million tonnes at 6.03% THM, positioning it among Sri Lanka’s most significant heavy mineral sand deposits.
Strategically located with access to existing infrastructure and the ports of Colombo and Trincomalee, the ilmenite-focused project is progressing alongside advanced environmental and technical de-risking studies, with key environmental impact assessment outcomes expected in the first quarter of calendar year 2026.
Managing Director Dr James Searle said the IML lodgement represents a major milestone toward production, supporting environmentally responsible mining, regional employment, and economic development, while noting that assessment of the applications will proceed following approval of Sri Lanka’s forthcoming national mineral policy.
At the time of reporting, Titanium Sands' share price was $0.010.