Hidden beneath the farmlands of Pirganj Upazila in Rangpur, significant coal reserves and iron-rich mineral deposits are once again coming into focus as authorities reassess the country’s untapped natural resources.
Officials and experts say renewed evaluation of past exploration data, combined with ongoing studies, has highlighted the potential of the Khalashpir coalfield and nearby areas. However, they caution that updated and comprehensive feasibility studies are still required before any move toward commercial extraction.
The resource potential in Khalashpir was first identified between 1959 and 1962, when the then Geological Survey of Pakistan detected coal deposits in the Gondwana Basin. Later, in 1989–90, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) conducted drilling across a 25-square-kilometre area, confirming high-quality bituminous coal at depths ranging from 257 to 451 metres.
Initial estimates suggested reserves of around 143 million metric tonnes within a limited zone. Subsequent studies significantly revised the figures upward. A 2006 assessment by the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CJMDC) estimated over 705 million tonnes of coal, while another study around the same period put the reserve at roughly 685 million tonnes across a wider area following additional drilling.
Despite these encouraging findings, the coalfield remains undeveloped. A 2009 review by the Hydrocarbon Unit, supported by international consultants, identified gaps in earlier analyses and recommended a full-scale feasibility study to assess economic, technical and environmental viability.
Alongside coal, Pirganj has also shown promise for iron-rich mineral deposits. Early indications emerged in the mid-1960s, with further drilling by GSB in 1999–2000 and more recently in the 2023–24 fiscal year confirming the presence of iron and other metals.
A fresh exploration effort is now underway in the Chhota Paharpur area to better determine the scale and quality of these resources. Experts say more drilling and laboratory analysis will be essential before assessing commercial prospects.
While the discoveries could help reduce reliance on imports and support industrial growth, specialists warn that extraction must be approached cautiously. Mining in densely populated and agriculturally active regions raises concerns over land use, environmental impact and community displacement.
Authorities maintain that any future development will depend on detailed scientific evaluation and adherence to sustainability standards.
“The potential is substantial, but decisions must be guided by careful planning and environmental responsibility,” an official said.
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