DHADING: A metal mine, located at Tipling VDC- 7 of Lari, is on the verge of closure due to lack of investment and apathetic authorities.

The pace of excavation of the mine, which has been operating since 2036 BS, had dramatically slowed down for the last six

years. According to mine engineer Moti Bahadur Gurung, excavating process had been slowed down as there were no plants to purify the raw materials extracted from the mine.

Gurung, who has been working in the mine for the past decade, informed that they were not able to utilise the full potential of the mine due to the apathy of the government and expectation of high returns in a short period of time by the private sectors.

A technician of Nepal Metal Company informed that they had sent 12 tons of metal to India for tests, adding that test results of the report was yet to be received. “We need to establish purifying plants

in Nepal rather than

taking the raw materials to India,” said engineer Gurung, adding that an investment of Rs13 crore would be required to built a purifying plant.

He added that a purifying plant could purify fifty tons of raw materials daily

and would help create hundreds of employment opportunities.

It is said that the raw materials of the Lari mine contains 12 per cent of metal and 3 per cent of glass.

Chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dhading, Dhruba Bahadur Thapa, said, “The mine must continue to function and resume operations as crores of money has been invested for its function.” He added that it would work as the backbone of the economic sector of the country if operated properly.

Meanwhile, another metal mine has been found in Tipling VDC, according to the locals.