Department of Mines and Geology Authorizes Exploration of 80 Mines Across Nepal

The Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) has granted authorization for the exploration of 80 mines in various regions of Nepal. According to Narayan Baskota, the information officer of DMG, several companies have been issued mining prospecting certificates for the period spanning mid-July 2023 to mid-June 2024 of the current fiscal year.

In addition to exploration permits, the department has also issued permits for the excavation of eight mines. During the same fiscal year, the DMG monitored 107 mines nationwide and revoked excavation and exploration permits for 114 locations.

Baskota further reported ongoing drilling operations in collaboration with the Chinese government to explore potential petroleum reservoir areas in Dailekh. The drilling activities have currently reached a depth of 951 meters.

The DoMG has also recorded more than 57 earthquakes with a magnitude above 4 on the Richter scale through seismic monitoring across various parts of the country. Earthquake and disaster awareness programs have been conducted in Barpak, Gorkha, along with geological and environmental studies in the Jitpur, Simara area of Province 2.

Moreover, the department has successfully promoted limestone mines located in Surkhet in the initial phase, generating revenue amounting to Rs 587.4 million.