Nepal expands mining exploration and monitoring seismic activity

KATHMANDU: The Department of Mines and Geology (DoMG) of Nepal has recently permitted the exploration of 80 mines in different parts of the country. In an interview with Narayan Baskota, the Information Officer of DoMG, they disclosed that several companies have been granted the mining prospecting certificates for the current fiscal year of mid-July 2023 to mid-June 2024.

The agency has authorized the excavation of eight mines in the same fiscal year in addition to exploratory licenses. However, the department has revoked excavation and exploration permits for 114 locations after monitoring 107 mines nationwide.

Furthermore, the DoMG has been actively involved in drilling operations in collaboration with the Chinese government to explore potential petroleum reservoirs in Dailekh. As of now, drilling activities have reached a depth of 951 meters.

Apart from mining activities, the DoMG has been monitoring seismic activities across Nepal, recording more than 57 earthquakes above Richter scale 4 during the reporting period. The department has also conducted earthquake and disaster awareness programs in Barpak, Gorkha, and carried out geological and environmental studies in Jitpur, Simara, Province 2.

In another initiative, the DoMG successfully promoted limestone mines in Surkhet, generating a revenue of Rs 587.4 million in the initial phase. These efforts highlight the department's multifaceted role in managing Nepal's mineral resources and geological studies.