Geologists to test quality of iron ore in Dhauwadi

23 January 2017

A team of geologists from the Department of Mines and Geology has arrived at Dhauwadi in Nawalparasi district to conduct a detailed study on extraction of iron from ores found in the village.

The team of 21 geologists is planning to carry out a survey on 100 hectares of land in Dhauwadi within the end of this fiscal year.

In 2010, geologists had suspected presence of coal mine in Dhauwadi. But after conducting studies it was confirmed that the village contained iron ores.

A previous study had shown that up to 25 tonnes of iron could be extracted from the ores found in the village.

The iron mine spreads across 10-km stretch from Dhauwadi to Ruchang. Previous studies have shown that iron ores found in the village is comparatively better than those found in other parts of the country.

Geologist Narayan Baskota said that the research will be conducted for the next 80 days. “This study will shed light on quantity of iron that can be extracted from the mine and quality of the ores underneath the earth,” he said.

According to the geological team, if iron could be extracted from the village, the country will be able to meet some of the demand for the metal on its own.

In ancient times, Dhauwadi used to be known as the ‘Iron Village’ because of presence of large deposits of iron ore in the area.

“People use to come to Dhauwadi to extract metal and manufacture farming tools, like sickles and ploughs.” Dhan Bahadur Rana, a local, said.

However, locals fear that they might be displaced if excavation works take place in the village to extract iron.

They have said the state must extend proper compensation if it intends to resettle people of the village to continue with excavation works.

Source – Kathmandu Post