Rangpur iron mine sees renewed exploration after 60 years

Exploration activities have resumed after six decades in Bangladesh’s first known iron ore mine in the Bhelamari field of Chhoto Paharpur Village under Shanerhat Union in Pirganj Upazila of Rangpur.

Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammad Saiful Islam formally inaugurated the geological drilling operation - titled Geological Well Drilling (GDH-79/2025) - at a function held at the site on Saturday.

The programme was organised by the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

Speaking at the event, GSB Director General (Additional Secretary) Md Abdul Mannan, Deputy Director General Engineer Ali Akbar and Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Most Popi Khatun highlighted the importance of renewed exploration in the northern region.

Shanerhat Union Parishad Chairman Mesbahur Rahman, managing directors of Pashchimanchal Gas Company Limited and Maddhapara Granite Mining Company Limited, along with other senior officials, were also present.

According to official sources, the iron ore deposit in the Bhelamari field - covering parts of Shanerhat and Mithipur unions - was first identified in 1965 by the Department of Mineral Resources of the then Pakistan government. At that time, four exploratory wells were drilled and marked with concrete, traces of which are still visible today.

On 6 September 1965, shortly after the Indo-Pak war, mineral experts conducted a preliminary survey over an area of about six square kilometres using satellite imagery and confirmed the presence of iron ore. However, despite several discussions over the years, mining operations never began.

After nearly 60 years, the government has now officially restarted exploration activities at the site.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam said the northern region holds significant underground mineral potential.

“Discovering and extracting these resources is not an ordinary task - it is a national aspiration. The government will extend full support if viable mineral reserves are found,” he said.

Deputy Director General Engineer Ali Akbar said earlier exploratory wells - EDS-15 during the Pakistan era and GDH-54 in 2000 -provided initial geological data.

In 2023, another well (GDH-78/23) was drilled in nearby Kashimpur Village, yielding indications of mineral presence.

“This year, drilling will go down to a depth of about 1,200 metres,” he said, adding that extraction would be proposed only if reserves are found to be commercially viable.

Given the elevated basement structure of the region, Akbar noted that the area may contain metallic minerals such as iron, copper, nickel, manganese and possibly gold.

“However, the exact nature and volume of resources will be known only after the exploration is completed,” he added.