KATHMANDU: The Department of Mines and Geology has granted excavation permits for 16 different types of mineral products, including limestone, red clay, metals, and stone.

The Department has provided the excavation permits with the objective of developing mineral-based industries and fostering industrial production and economic development in the country through the exploration of domestic mineral resources. The mineral products permitted by the department up to the last fiscal year include tourmaline, talc, quartz, kainite, marble, iron, zinc, quartzite, magnesite, dolomite, and copper.

The Department’s Information Officer Narayan Banskota said that, according to the rules for issuing mining permits, the Department has granted permits to 166 entities, including private and various international companies registered in the country, after studying the mining proposals of companies that had requested excavation permits and completing the necessary processes as required.

It has been reported that when granting mining permits, the Department, which is engaged in prospecting, exploration, development, and excavation of the country’s mineral resources, sets necessary conditions to ensure no impact on the environment, collects revenue based on registration and production ratios, and benefits locals.

The Department has stated that approximately one hundred limestone quarries have obtained excavation licenses. Information Officer Banskota said that the country’s mineral resources have not been adequately developed due to reasons such as geographical remoteness and lack of transportation. The main reasons for the failure to develop mineral resources in Nepal have been identified as a lack of capital and modern technology, geographical remoteness, and policy issues.

Mineral excavation has become challenging due to a lack of infrastructure, insufficient detailed exploration of mineral resources, environmental risks, a shortage of expensive technology and equipment required for mineral excavation, a lack of large capital, and the absence of an investment-friendly environment. It has been reported that excavation and transportation are also difficult because most mineral substances are located in remote and steep areas.