Exploration resumes at iron mine in Rangpur after six decades

After a hiatus spanning six decades, exploratory drilling has recommenced at the potential iron ore deposit site in Rangpur, marking a significant step toward assessing the commercial viability of the minerals buried beneath the northern district. The government-backed initiative aims to utilize advanced geological survey methods to confirm and quantify the quality of the reserve.

The site, located within the Pirganj Upazila, specifically in the Shanerhat Union area, first saw initial, rudimentary exploration efforts approximately 60 years ago. Those early endeavors were eventually halted, reportedly due to technical limitations and lack of sustained funding, leaving the potential iron reserves untapped. The current campaign is focused on employing state-of-the-art techniques, including deep core drilling, necessary to retrieve representative rock samples for comprehensive laboratory analysis.

Geologists and specialized drilling teams have deployed heavy machinery to the area to penetrate the subsurface layers. The primary goal is twofold: to confirm the presence of high-grade iron ore and to map the exact extent and depth of the deposit. This crucial data is necessary to understand if large-scale mining operations would be technically and economically feasible, potentially lessening the country’s reliance on imported raw materials for industrial development.

The local administration has firmly pledged full cooperation and support for the renewed exploration project. Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Popy Khatun confirmed that all necessary logistical and security measures would be implemented to ensure the sensitive exploration process proceeds without interruption. Shanerhat Union Parishad Chairman Mesbahur Rahman echoed this commitment, assuring that local residents were highly cooperative and overwhelmingly hopeful about the socio-economic prospects the mine could bring to the greater Rangpur region.

Authorities anticipate that the demanding drilling operations will continue for several months, with the subsequent geological reports providing a clear indication of the reserve’s potential. The outcome is expected to shape future policy regarding mineral resource extraction in the region.