KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 26
The government has initiated activities related to iron ore exploration in the country to minimize iron imports from India.
Iron extraction efforts have been undertaken following a study conducted by the Department of Mines and Geology, which identified iron ore deposits stretching from west Namjakot to east Dhaubadi under Hupsekot Rural Municipality-5 in Gandaki Province.
The decision to pursue activities for the study of iron exploration led to the establishment of 'Dhaubadi Iron Company Limited' in a cabinet meeting held on August 21, 2019. The company was officially registered as 'Dhaubadi Iron Company Ltd' at the Office of the Company Registrar on September 26, 2019, and began operations in February 2020.
Dr Janak Bahadur Chand, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, stated that the company conducted a comprehensive study on the quality and volume of iron ore deposits, completed geological studies, drilling activities, and chemical testing in the iron mines area. Despite limited resources and personnel, the company has been conducting financial and commercial feasibility studies.
The company has initiated the process for land acquisition in Kawasoti Municipality and Devchuli Municipality for the industry.
Meanwhile, the government has sent five tonnes of iron to the Sichuan Institute of Metallurgical Geology and Exploration in Chengdu, China, for testing. The Chinese laboratory confirmed that the mine has iron suitable for industrial production.