Beneath Bangladesh: A wealth of untapped minerals

The exploration and utilisation of Bangladesh's mineral resources have remained underdeveloped even after 53 years of independence. While the focus has predominantly been on natural gas, other significant mineral resources have not received adequate attention. The northern and western regions of the country hold vast, untapped reserves of minerals such as coal and hard rock. 

Although extraction has commenced on a limited scale, it has yet to gain momentum. Geological surveys and experimental drilling have identified deposits of oil, gas, limestone, and iron ore, but efforts for large-scale extraction remain insufficient.

Experts highlight that Bangladesh holds immense potential in its mineral resources. If explored and utilised effectively, these resources could become a significant source of foreign currency earnings and play a pivotal role in addressing the ongoing energy crisis and ensuring energy security. 

The Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) has identified reserves of seven types of minerals, though these remain at a preliminary, unproven stage. Among these are peat, limestone, kaolin, hard rock, silica sand, and gravel. 

In addition, four other mineral resources heavy minerals, mineral sands, mixed gravel, and metallic minerals have been discovered, with potential reserves requiring further assessment.

According to GSB estimates, the country's natural mineral deposits could be worth over $2.26 trillion (equivalent to Tk 241.97 trillion). These figures represent a conceptual value based on initial surveys, emphasizing the need for detailed feasibility studies to ascertain accurate reserves and economic value. 

For example, GSB has confirmed that Bangladesh has 7,803 million tonnes of coal reserves across several fields, yet large-scale extraction is limited to the Barapukuria mine, which supports a 525 MW power plant. 

Other fields, like Dighipara and Khalashpir, have completed feasibility studies, while reserves in the Jamalganj field remain untapped due to the challenging depth of the deposit.

Beyond coal, the country boasts substantial limestone reserves, particularly in Naogaon, with deposits exceeding 25,000 million tonnes. Smaller reserves have been found in Joypurhat, Sunamganj, and other areas. 

Similarly, hard rock reserves are estimated at 201 million tonnes, while silica sand and kaolin are also present in notable quantities. Despite these discoveries, extraction and commercialisation remain sporadic, with local utilisation confined to a few sectors.

Officials from the Bureau of Mineral Development and GSB have cited multiple challenges, including inadequate funding, outdated equipment, and limited logistical support. For instance, GSB’s annual budget for exploration and research is less than Tk5 crore, a fraction of what is required. 

Experts argue that at least Tk100 crore annually is necessary to advance exploration, research, and extraction activities. 

Moreover, the lack of advanced machinery and vehicles further hampers field operations.

While Bangladesh has significant potential to expand its coal extraction, concerns over environmental and technical risks have led to conservative approaches. 

However, experts believe that increased extraction, coupled with advanced technologies, could significantly boost the country's energy supply without major safety incidents, as seen in other coal-mining nations. 

In addition to coal, the country also benefits from the economic contributions of other minerals like sand and gravel, which generate billions of takas annually.

The vast mineral wealth of Bangladesh, including its deposits of limestone, hard rock, silica sand, and other valuable minerals, remains underexplored and underutilised. 

With strategic investments in geological research, advanced extraction technologies, and sustainable management practices, these resources could become a cornerstone of the nation’s energy and economic future.