Feasibility study on iron mines begins in eastern districts of Nepal

The Himalayan Times reported that as many as 6 geologists from the Nepal’s Department of Mines and Geology under the Ministry of Industry have launched an integrated geographical survey and mine exploration in 6 eastern hill districts, including Sankhuwasabha.

Mr Dinesh Nepali senior geologist said that “The survey will be conducted in Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Taplejung, Dhankuta, Terhathum and Panchthar. Nepali added that survey would continue for 80 days. There are 6 geologists from the capital 2 each in 3 teams for topography mapping and mine exploration.”

The first team will study 1,300 square kilometres geography and draw its map. The second team has been tasked with exploring copper, gold, iron and glass and the third team would explore limestone, red soil, granite marble and others.

The survey team includes geologists Mr Shiva Kumar Baskota, Mr Kumar KC, Mr Narayan Baskota, Mr Bisworaj Silwal, Mr Saunak Bhandari and Mr Dinesh Nepali. They have made Sankhuwasabha’s Chainpur and Mudhebazzar their base. The geologists are collecting sand samples from every stream along with rock samples.

Mr Nepali said that the government has banned extraction of iron ore in 1,300 square kilometre area surrounding the site where the survey work is under way. Extraction has been banned as exploration is under way in this area.