Sri Lanka, Feb. 4 -- A private company is allegedly planning to plunder valuable garnet minerals located in the coastal zone near the Mirijjawila boat yard in Hambantota.

Environmentalists claim the firm intends to carry out this mineral theft under the guise of removing sand accumulated at the fishing harbor.

When questioned whether permission had been granted for such activities, a senior official from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) stated that although requests were submitted, no mining licenses were issued to the organisation.

Despite the lack of official authorisation, Hiru News obtained audio recordings of an individual connected to the Indian company seeking the tender.

In the recordings, the individual informs a...