PIRGANJ, RANGPUR, Apr 25: Six decades have passed since the discovery of the country's first iron ore mine in Velamari Pathar of Pirganj Upazila in Rangpur, yet no substantial steps have been taken to extract this valuable resource.
Despite its historic and economic significance, the mine remains unutilised, with only sporadic efforts made to assess its potential.
Discovered in 1964 by the then Pakistan Mineral Resources Department, the Velamari iron ore deposit was confirmed through advanced aerial and ground-based geological surveys.
At the time, strong magnetic fields detected from aircraft indicated high iron content beneath the surface. The zone of attraction was so strong that it disrupted aircraft stability during the survey.
This early scientific evidence led to an official declaration of Velamari as Bangladesh's first world-class iron ore site.
Following initial confirmation, the then Government of Pakistan began excavation work across a vast area-from Chhota Paharpur to Sadra Qutubpur-for over a year.
Deep pipes were drilled as far as 22,000 feet, revealing a 10 square kilometre area rich in high-grade iron. However, the work was abruptly abandoned, with experts declaring the deposit as immature and predicting it would become extractable in 20-25 years.
That timeframe has long passed. Forty-two years later, the deposit is considered mature and potentially viable for extraction, but no formal extraction has begun.
In 1999, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) revived efforts, but rather than drilling directly at Velamari, they conducted exploration activities 4km away in Bora Paharpur. This second round of exploration yielded no disclosed outcomes, and no further steps were taken towards mining.
Then in late 2023, GSB drilled in Kashimpur Village, again 4 km from Velamari's core. Sources confirmed the discovery of high-quality iron ore, but GSB claimed the reserves were not economically viable to extract. They concluded that the cost of extraction would outweigh the commercial benefits.
Despite these reservations, Petrobangla has shown renewed interest, reportedly drilling in the area while GSB plans another excavation in 2024 to further assess the deposit's economic feasibility.
Dr. Badruddoza Mia, Professor of Geology at Dhaka University, has stated that while traces of iron and other minerals have indeed been found, more detailed exploration is needed before any mining activity can be justified. Without updated reserve calculations and feasibility studies, large-scale extraction remains a distant goal.
Meanwhile, former Petrobangla director Maqbul-e-Elahi Chowdhury confirmed that the Velamari mine is officially recognized as Bangladesh's first discovered iron ore mine.
Local residents, however, express frustration and disappointment. Many believe the mine holds potential to transform the local economy by creating jobs and reducing dependence on imported iron. "We have waited 60 years," said one resident. "If this mine can be made operational, our children won't need to migrate for jobs."
Analysts have pointed out that even if reserves are confirmed to be economically viable, the government will still need to consider environmental impacts, infrastructure needs, and investment in processing facilities. Establishing an iron ore mine requires heavy upfront investment, and with the country's focus shifting towards renewable energy and sustainable development, mining iron ore could become a contentious decision.
Nevertheless, experts agree that Velamari deserves a 'comprehensive modern survey' using advanced technologies to reassess its reserves, feasibility, and economic potential. With increasing demand for iron in construction, transport, and energy sectors, even moderate local production could reduce Bangladesh's dependency on imports and support the national economy.
The story of Velamari iron ore mine is one of missed opportunities and unrealised potential. What began as a promising discovery in the 1960s has since become a symbol of bureaucratic inertia and institutional indecision.
With Petrobangla's renewed efforts and planned drilling by GSB, 2024 could mark a turning point. If the findings support viable extraction, the mine may finally contribute to the country's mineral wealth after a six-decade wait.
