Present situation of minerals in Nepal
The department of Mines and Geology is responsibility for all types of geological survey, mineral exploration and administration of mining rules and regulations in Nepal. Nepal being a hilly nation has a large potentiality for the mineral resources. The department since it's establishment has been carrying out geological mapping, mineral exploration and feasibility studies of mineral based industries. In the process, many potential areas have remained virtually unexplored for mineral resources. Nepal possesses commercially important non-metallic mineral resources like limestone, dolomite, marble, magnesite, talc etc. The potential for finding economic gold gemstones and petroleum resources is high in the country. But, a detail exploration for those minerals and fuels is yet to be carried out.
Iron
Iron is the principal metal. It is extensively used for infrastructural development works, manufacture machineries, equipments, arms, agricultural tools, etc. Phulchoki, Those, Labdi khola, and Jirbang are the main known iron ore deposits. Phulchoki is the largest iron deposit which is still remained untransformed into commercialization. It has been estimated that Phulchoki possesses 10.67 million ton irons.
Copper
Copper is another important metal which has multiple uses in this developing world. It is mainly used in electrical industries to produce electronic appliances, equipments, telecommunications equipment, copper wire, crafts, making alloys, utensils and other household purposes. It was mined traditionally in Nepal since many years.Copper occurrences/prospects are known in 107 localities. Small scale copper mines were operated in Gyazi, Okharbot and waspa till to the last decade. Old workings are known in different parts in Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, Baglung, Gulmi, Tanahun, Gorkha, Makwanpur, Kavre, Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Solukhumbu, Ilam and Taplejung districts.
Lead and Zinc
Lead and Zinc occurrences/ prospects are reported from 49 localities in different parts of Nepal. In most of the cases, they are associated in the same deposits as in Larri(Ganesh Himal, Rasuwa), Labang-khairang(Makwanpur), Pangum (Solukhumbu), Salimar valley (Mugu/Humla), Phulchoki (Lalitpur), Sisha khani and kadebas (Baglung), Dhuwakot (Parbat), Barghare (Makwanpur), Khola khani (Taplejung), etc.
Gold
Gold is precious metal. Alluvial/placer gold are frequently wined from the river gravels/sediments from the major rivers like Mahakali, Chameliya, Seti, Karnali, Bheri, Rapti, Lungri kholaand Phagum khola (Rolpa), kaligandaki, Myagdi khola, Modi, Madi Marshyangdi, Trishuli, Budigandaki and sunkoshi. Primary gold occurences are known only from Lungi Khola area (Rolpa), Bangabagar, Gorang and Jamari Gad (Baitadi); Bamangaon (Dadeldhura). A Chinese team ahs also carried out a detail survey to detect the gold mines in Nepal. They have guaranteed that gold is mined in different parts of the country. But, the mines are yet to be evaluated by detail exploration.
Limestone
Limestone is a main raw material of cement and is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Among all non-metallic minerals, limestone is the basic elements to produce cement, has increased in the recent years. Limestone is in abundance in the country. Nepal can fully self-dependant on cement. In Nepal, the volume of limestone deposits (of cement grade) is believed to be over 1.25 billion metric tons, according to the Department sources.
Coal
Coal is a chief fuel after electricity. It is used as fuel to run Train, industries, and various factories. Coal is estimated to be found in various parts of the country like Dang, Kathmandu, Sindhuli, Salyan, Thak khola, Kailali, Kanchampur, Baglung, Chitwan, and Sunsari (Barah region).
Petroleum and Natural gas
Petroleum and natural gas is very important mineral resource. In Nepal, petroleum and natural gas is estimated to be found in various places like Kathmandu valley, Muktinath of Mustang, Paduka of Dailekh, Nepalgunj of Banke, Pyuthan, etc.
Magnesite
Magnesite is used to melt the iron and copper. It is estimated that khari dhunga of Dolakha possesses 10 crore metric ton. Some of the magnesite has been exvacated and exported to India. Some of the magnesite are estimated to be found in the areas; Sindhupalchwok, Sunkoshi, and Saptakoshi.
Talc
Talc is estimated that 15000 metric ton of talc has been found in Chisapani of Gaighat.
Marble
Marble is made from a type of stone. It is used in making buildings. It has been abundantly found in Godawari of Kathmandu.
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