By Motaher Hossain

Bangladesh is sitting on a treasure trove of untapped mineral resources, buried beneath its soil, hills, and waters. Energy experts believe this sector holds immense potential to transform the nation’s economy, provided we act decisively and strategically. This calls for advanced technologies, skilled engineers, and institutional capacity-building, backed by continuous research and investment. Swift exploration and extraction of oil, gas, methane, coal, and other minerals can bring unprecedented benefits to the nation. The clock is ticking, and effective steps now can unlock these hidden assets to fuel Bangladesh's energy security and economic growth.

The Current Landscape

Bangladesh is already making progress in some regions. Gas reserves have been discovered in Bhola, the hilly terrains of Sylhet, Subarnachar in Noakhali, and Brahmanbaria, which encompass diverse geological features. These are now being actively extracted. Experts stress that the vast waters of the Bay of Bengal, alongside other unexplored river systems, hold immense potential for mineral discoveries. If pursued effectively, this could emerge as a major source of foreign currency and significantly ease the ongoing energy crisis while ensuring long-term energy security. Vast Potential

Statistics show that 16 districts in Bangladesh hold 10 types of mineral resources, including coal, peat, hard rock, limestone, silica sand, and iron ore. According to the Bangladesh Geological Survey Department (GSB), these natural reserves are valued at over $3.26 trillion, equivalent to approximately BDT 341.97 trillion.

The Bureau of Mineral Development (BMD) highlights that coal, hard rock, silica sand, white clay, and general sand are among the key resources being extracted. Yet, valuable deposits of mineral sand found in the coastal regions like Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali, Kutubdia, Hatia, and major rivers like the Jamuna and Brahmaputra remain underutilized.

Bridging the Gaps

The financial valuation of Bangladesh's mineral wealth is based on estimates from existing reserves. Comprehensive feasibility studies can significantly enhance these estimates, providing a clearer picture of their actual size, quality, and market value. Despite GSB's success in discovering nine types of minerals, its funding remains woefully inadequate, with an annual allocation of less than BDT 5 crore (approximately $455,000). Experts argue that at least BDT 100 crore ($9.1 million) per year is essential for meaningful exploration and research. Additionally, GSB faces severe shortages in modern equipment and transportation, hindering its ability to scale operations.

Mineral Highlights

Coal:
• Reserves: 7,803 million tons
• Key Fields:
o Barapukuria (390 million tons; operational, powering 525 MW electricity)
o Dighipara (706 million tons; feasibility study completed)
o Khalashpir (685 million tons; feasibility study completed)
o Jamalganj (5,450 million tons; deep reserves requiring advanced extraction techniques)
Other Resources:
• Peat Coal: 700 million tons
• Limestone: 3,527 million tons (valued at $90.81 billion)
• Hard Rock: 20.1 million tons (valued at $542 million)
• White Clay: 23 million tons (valued at $2.99 billion)
• Silica Sand: 511.7 million tons (valued at $6.14 billion)
• Gravel: 220 million tons (valued at $3.3 billion)
• Iron Ore: 62.5 million tons (valued at $6.88 billion)

Opportunities and Challenges

The mineral-rich districts include Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Joypurhat, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Cox’s Bazar, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. While substantial resources have been identified, including the vast coal deposits in Dinajpur’s Barapukuria and hard rock in Parbatipur, much remains unexplored.

Unfortunately, Bangladesh’s coal extraction is limited, even as it remains largely accident-free compared to global operations. The general sand industry, which contributes billions of takas annually, could also expand its scope with better initiatives.

The limestone reserves in Naogaon, Joypurhat, and Sunamganj are vast, with over 25,000 million tons in Naogaon alone. Other valuable resources like white clay in Tangail, Habiganj, and Netrokona, along with substantial reserves of gravel and silica sand, underscore the untapped wealth beneath the country.

The Road Ahead

The government and policymakers must prioritize exploration and development in this sector. Investment in research, modern technology, and skilled manpower can revolutionize mineral extraction. Utilizing these resources will not only resolve the energy crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy, paving the way for a new era of prosperity.

The potential is immense, but so is the urgency. A strategic, well-coordinated approach is key to turning this vision into reality.

The writer is a, journalist & General Secretary of the Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum.