Bangladesh’s first iron ore mine discovered

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Halim Al Raji, Hili, Dinajpur
Published : 20:20, Jun 18, 2019 | Updated : 20:58, Jun 18, 2019

An iron layer more than 300 feet thick was found 1,750 feet beneath the surface and it stretches over an area of 6-10 square kilometres.

Bangladesh has discovered its first-ever iron mine in the northern district of Dinajpur.
A team of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB), which has been conducting drilling campaigns since mid-April, confirmed on Tuesday (Jun 18) the discovery of a magnetite (iron ore) mine at Isabpur village in Hakimpur Upazila at the district’s Hili.
An iron layer more than 300 feet thick was found 1,750 feet beneath the surface and it stretches over an area of 6-10 square kilometres, GSB Deputy Director Mohammad Masum told Bangla Tribune.
“In 2013, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh started a drilling campaign in Murshipur and gradually after six years a second campaign was started at Isabpur from Apr 19 this year. While drilling from 1380-1500 feet, we saw rays of hope,” he said.
According to the geologist, lab tests of samples revealed that percentage of iron in the mine is 65 while in other parts of the world it’s below 50.
Apart from iron ore, copper, nickel and chromium have been also found in the layer, GSB official Masum said before adding, “Limestone was also found at a depth of 1150 feet.”
A 30-member team of experts did the drilling in three shifts since Apr 19, GSB Deputy Director (Drilling Engineer) M Masud Rana said.
“We have found iron ore at the depth of 1324 feet and we think the reserve is large, but further drilling will be required to confirm it,” he said before adding discovery of iron mine has opened up economic prospects for the country.
Locals are excited with the development, and lauded the exploration team for their noble effort.
“The mine would boost the economy of this region, and create employment opportunities for the people as well as for the country,” local Hakimpur Upazila Chairman Harunur Rashid said while speaking to Bangla Tribune.

/zmi/
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