The Department of Mines and Geology has issued permits for the extraction of 16 types of mineral resources, including limestone, red clay, metals, and stones, with the objective of promoting industrial production and strengthening Nepal’s economic development through the use of domestic resources.
As of the last fiscal year, the department has approved the extraction of minerals such as tourmaline, talc, quartz, kyanite, marble, iron, zinc, quartzite, magnesite, dolomite, and copper. According to Information Officer Narayan Banskota, a total of 166 companies—including domestic private firms and Nepal-registered international companies—have been granted mining permits after completing necessary procedures and proposal evaluations.
The department stated that permits are issued under strict conditions, including ensuring minimal environmental impact through proper assessments, maintaining a balance between production and revenue collection, and guaranteeing benefits for local communities. Around 100 limestone mines alone have received extraction permits, making it one of the most significant resources in the sector.
Despite the availability of mineral resources, Nepal continues to face multiple challenges in their development, including a lack of capital and modern technology, difficult geography, policy-related issues, and inadequate infrastructure. Most mineral deposits are located in remote and steep areas, making extraction and transportation both difficult and costly.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
