MINERELS

 “Poverty amidst plenty” is the paradoxical proverb used to describe Nepal. It is believed that Nepal possesses hidden treasures of various kinds of minerals. Some are known and others unknown, quite a few minerals are being exploited and lot more yet to be planned for exploration. Fahien and Huen Tsang, the ancient travelers of China had written that Nepal was an iron and copper exporting country. In later days also attempts had been made to explore minerals time and again. However, in extraction of minerals Nepal is still in its infancy due to confronting financial and technical problems. With the help of friendly nations  Government of Nepal is now in process towards the development of mines. 

Geological investigation carried out so far has revealed the potency of various mines and minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, gold, mica, graphite, limestone, nickel, gypsum, beryl, kaoline, quartz, talc, sulphur, Ramtilak (a kind of yellow soil), peat etc. Petroleum is still an expectation India, USA, UK and Switzerland are extending their cooperation in this field. The bureau of mines endeavoring for extensive research works. A list of minerals found in Nepal either exploited or otherwise having based upon the report of the Mining Department, is listed below:- 

Coal:- 

Kailali, Knchanpur (Chuche Danda); Sindhuligarhi (Darnali river) Palhi (Tamaspur); Dang, Sallyan, Rapti valley (Narayangadh), Morang (Barah Chhetra) Baglung, Muktinath. 

Peat Coal:- 

Tokha, Sangla. Bansbari, Thimi, Chapagaon, Banepa etc. 

Iron:- 

Baglung (Falday), Garsing, Dussa, Phusebhir Mankhu, Sunkhani, Barabise and Bhugdev, Bajhang (Ghatekhola), Thosekhani, Kathmandu valley (Fulchoki), Pyuthan (Warengaon). 

Copper:- 

Chisapanigarhi, Kulekhani, Baglung (Balkot, Wokherbot, Garsing, Tipling, Pansing, Jhiku Nager, Barabise), Gorkha (Gyazikhani), Kathmandu (Chovar), Okhaldhunga (Jantrekhani), Fable, Wapsekhini, Solakhani, Ilam (Shidikhani) Dhangadi (Jugadi), Bhojppur (Ditungkhani), Dhankuta (Yangma), Narakot in Althazar Parbat. 

Lead:- 

Chisapanigarhi (Aaukhale and Purlung), kathmandu (Fulchoki), Baglung, Galkot, Nuwakot (Majorkhola), Dolkha (Dudhpokhari). 

Mica:- 

kathmandu valley, Nuwakot (Garsing Fosainkunda, Chauturali, Lamagaon, chaunri Bhanjyang, Basent Paowa, Jame), Sindhuligarhi, Chainpur, Bhojpur, Bajhang Lamjung. 

Gold:- 

(Dust mixed in sand) Kolpunkhola, Bhandramati, Rapti (Phen Khola) Kali and Budi Gandaki, Sunkosi, Bajhang (Dalkot), Barbung Khola, Jumla (Barnchhap) Palpa (Ridi Khola). 

Zinc:- 

Nuwakot (Piping, Major Khola) Palanchok (Nangpha), Kathmandu (Fulchoki). 

Nickel:- 

Taplejung, Khokaling, Tungchhap, Nuwakot (Same Pangsing), Nangpha, Ramechhap (Bhorle, Khorepani). 

Cobalt:- 

Gulmi (Janagash), Palpa (Near Darjeeling Samar Bhamer), Bajhang, Junchap. 

Salt:- 

Nuwakot (Janagash), Pokhara (chipalang). 

Gypsum:- 

Dang, Sallyan. 

Graphite:- 

Ilam (Parmijung), Jame, Patibhanjyang. 

Sulphur:- 

Gosainkunda, Pangsing, Barah Chhetra, Satis Khola, Chisapanigarhi (Jungan, Bhimphedi, Lipche), Jumla (Rupade). 

Mineral Oil:- 

Muktinath, Padukasthan in Dailekh, Kathmandu, (natural gas) Surkhet, Piuthan, Morang, Jhapa, Balaju (Dugranipani). 

Beryl:- 

Tame, Bhojpur, Chainpur. 

Saltpetre:- 

Doti, Sallyan, Chuse Range. 

Limestone:- 

Godacari, Chovar, markhu, Bhainse, Cement Factory is under construction at Chovar. 

Platinum:- 

Kaligandaki near Ridi Bazar. 

Garnet:- 

kankai, Kosi, and Arun river banks. 

Ochre:- 

Fulchoki, Gundu, Mirge, Kerantichhap, Jakkoti. 

Slate:- 

Bandipur, Tisuli (Chokdi) Swayambhu, Tistung Palung. 

Talc:- 

Kharidhunga, Barabise. 

Marble:- 

Godavari, Hetaunda, Morang. 

Dalomite:- 

Sallyan.