Kathmandu, April 12

Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi has said that the government will soon start mining iron ore in Hupsekot Rural Municipality-5 of Nawalparasi district to make the country self-reliant in iron within five years.

Observing a geological study and survey of the mine in Nawalparasi district today, the minister assured that the government would start mining after completing the necessary groundwork, according to ministry officials.

The iron mine was discovered during the exploration of coal mines in 2010. The mine is located 21 km inside of Danda of East-West Highway.

“The government will soon extend a road to the mining site and also provide drinking water facility and start electrification of the mining area,” an official of the MoI quoted Minister Joshi as saying. “The government is mulling over to set up a processing plant at the same site.”

As per MoI officials, the ministry is planning to invite foreign and domestic investors for mining and processing segregating the mine site into five segments, which is spread over 10 square kilometres.

The modality to bring private investment into mining and processing will be determined in the Mining Policy, which is under formulation.