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Mineral resource proper use can help country reap huge benefits

Rich mineral wealth, vast potential, but challenges to extraction and utilization.

The Mineral Wealth of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country with a rich mineral wealth, boasting an array of valuable minerals that lie hidden beneath its surface. The country’s mineral resources are vast and diverse, with estimates suggesting that they could be worth more than US$2.26 trillion. This staggering figure is a testament to the immense potential that lies within Bangladesh’s mineral deposits.

Mineral Resources

Bangladesh’s mineral resources are comprised of a wide range of minerals, including:

  • Coal: Bangladesh has significant coal reserves, with estimates suggesting that the country has around 4 billion tonnes of coal. Iron ore: The country has substantial iron ore deposits, with estimates suggesting that Bangladesh has around 2 billion tonnes of iron ore. Limestone: Bangladesh has significant limestone deposits, with estimates suggesting that the country has around 1 billion tonnes of limestone. Copper: The country has copper deposits, with estimates suggesting that Bangladesh has around 1 billion tonnes of copper. Gold: Bangladesh has significant gold deposits, with estimates suggesting that the country has around 1 billion tonnes of gold. ### Challenges and Opportunities**

    • Challenges and Opportunities

    Despite the vast mineral wealth of Bangladesh, the country faces several challenges in extracting and utilizing its mineral resources. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Lack of infrastructure: Bangladesh lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the extraction and export of its mineral resources. Environmental concerns: The extraction of minerals can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.

    The country’s natural resources are mainly composed of minerals such as gold, copper, iron, coal, and rare earth elements. The country’s natural resources are mainly found in the following regions:

    Regions of Natural Resources

    Eastern Region

  • The eastern region is rich in coal deposits, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes of coal reserves. The region is also home to significant copper deposits, with an estimated 1 million tonnes of copper reserves. The region’s iron ore reserves are estimated to be around 2 billion tonnes. ### Western Region*

    • Western Region

  • The western region is rich in gold deposits, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes of gold reserves.

    The Mineral Sand Conundrum

    The discovery of valuable mineral sand in the big rivers has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among stakeholders. While the potential economic benefits are undeniable, the lack of concrete initiatives to extract the resource has raised questions about the feasibility of this endeavor.

    The Financial Value of Mineral Sand

    GSB officials have stated that the financial value of the discovered mineral sand is essentially a conceptual number, obtained from the reserves. This means that the actual value of the resource is still unknown, and it will take further exploration and extraction efforts to determine its true worth. Factors contributing to the uncertainty include: + Limited data on the quality and quantity of the mineral sand + Technical challenges in extracting the resource from the river + Regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns

    The Challenges of Extraction

    Extracting mineral sand from the big rivers poses several technical and logistical challenges. These include:

  • River currents and sedimentation: The strong currents and sedimentation in the rivers make it difficult to access and extract the mineral sand. Environmental concerns: The extraction process could potentially harm the ecosystem and disrupt the natural flow of the river. Infrastructure and equipment: The necessary infrastructure and equipment to extract the mineral sand are not yet in place.

    The company has a total of 1,000 vehicles, but only 300 of them are operational. The equipment is old and outdated, and the company is struggling to maintain it. The lack of reliable equipment is causing delays and disruptions in the GSB’s research and exploration activities.

    The Crisis of Equipment and Transport

    GSB is facing a significant crisis in its equipment and transport infrastructure. The company’s reliance on outdated and unreliable equipment is hindering its research and exploration activities.

    The Jamalganj coal field is located in the Jamalganj area of Dinajpur district in Bangladesh. It is the largest coal reserve in the country, covering an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers.

    The Challenges of Extracting Coal from the Jamalganj Coal Field

    The Jamalganj coal field is a significant challenge for the coal industry in Bangladesh.

    The other two coal fields, the Baitarani coal field in Rangpur and the Baitarani coal field in Dinajpur, contain 1.1 billion tons and 1.2 billion tons of coal, respectively.

    Mineral Resources in Bangladesh

    Bangladesh is a country rich in mineral resources, with a diverse range of minerals found across the country. The GBS has identified several key mineral-rich districts, each with its unique set of mineral deposits. The country’s mineral resources are primarily composed of coal, iron ore, limestone, and copper.

    Key Mineral Deposits

  • Coal: The country has five coal fields, with the Barapukuria coal field in Dinajpur boasting the largest reserves, followed by the Dighipara coal mine in Rangpur and the Khalashpir coal mine in Rangpur. Iron Ore: Iron ore deposits are found in several districts, including Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh. Limestone: Limestone deposits are widespread, with significant reserves found in Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Moulvibazar. Copper: Copper deposits are found in several districts, including Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Moulvibazar. ## Exploration and Mining Activities

    • Exploration and Mining Activities

    The GBS has been actively involved in exploring and mapping the country’s mineral resources since its inception. The agency has conducted extensive surveys and studies to identify the mineral-rich districts and deposits. The GBS has also collaborated with international organizations to gain expertise and access to advanced technology.

    Exploration Methods

  • Geological surveys: The GBS conducts geological surveys to identify mineral deposits and assess their quality.

    Sylhet, and silica sand in two places in Sunamganj.

    Overview of the Stone and Sand Quarries in Sylhet

    Sylhet, a region in northeastern Bangladesh, is renowned for its rich geological diversity, which has led to the development of numerous stone and sand quarries.

    The Importance of Limestone and Sand in Bangladesh

    Limestone and sand are two of the most abundant mineral resources in Bangladesh. The country’s vast limestone reserves, particularly in Naogaon, make it a significant player in the global limestone market. On the other hand, the ordinary sand found in various parts of the country is a valuable resource that contributes to the country’s economy.

    Economic Benefits of Limestone and Sand

  • The limestone reserves in Naogaon are estimated to be over 25,000 million tons, making Bangladesh a major player in the global limestone market. The ordinary sand found in Bangladesh generates several thousand crore of taka every year, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. The extraction and processing of limestone and sand create employment opportunities for thousands of people in the country. ### Environmental Impact of Limestone and Sand Extraction*

    • Environmental Impact of Limestone and Sand Extraction

  • The extraction of limestone and sand can have a significant impact on the environment, particularly in terms of deforestation and soil erosion. The use of heavy machinery and equipment in the extraction process can also lead to air and water pollution. The disposal of waste materials from the extraction process can also pose environmental hazards. ### Sustainable Management of Limestone and Sand Resources*

    • Sustainable Management of Limestone and Sand Resources

  • The government of Bangladesh has implemented various measures to ensure the sustainable management of limestone and sand resources. The government has established regulations and guidelines for the extraction and processing of limestone and sand. The government has also encouraged the use of alternative materials and technologies to reduce the environmental impact of limestone and sand extraction. ### Conclusion*

    • Conclusion

    In conclusion, limestone and sand are two of the most valuable mineral resources in Bangladesh.

    The Rich Soil of Tangail

    Tangail, a region in Bangladesh, is renowned for its fertile plain soil, which has been a vital component of the country’s agricultural sector for centuries.

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