Md Abul Kalam Azad :: Bangladesh is a country with significant potential in mineral resources. While natural resources are distributed across various regions, a large portion of this potential remains underutilized. Experts believe that increased initiative in mineral exploration and extraction could not only become a major source of foreign currency earnings but also help mitigate the ongoing energy crisis. With proper management, these resources could also strengthen national energy security.
According to the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB), Bangladesh has 10 types of mineral resources spread across 16 districts. These include coal, peat, hard rock, general stone or sand-mixed stone, silica sand, clay, mineral sand, limestone, metallic minerals, and iron ore. The estimated financial value of naturally occurring mineral reserves in the country is $2.26 trillion, or approximately 241 trillion Bangladeshi Taka.
Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Mineral Development Bureau (BMD), stated that among the significant mineral resources, coal, hard rock, general stone or sand-mixed stone, silica sand, and clay are currently being extracted. However, mineral sands in riverine and coastal areas remain largely underutilized. He also highlighted that coal extraction in Bangladesh is relatively low, preventing the country from fully benefiting from its mineral wealth.
GSB officials emphasized that the estimated financial value of discovered minerals is largely conceptual. Proper surveys and research could provide a more accurate assessment of both the quantity and market value of these resources. However, the government’s annual allocation for mineral exploration and research is extremely limited—less than 50 million Taka per year—resulting in shortages of advanced equipment and transportation facilities.
According to GSB data, Bangladesh’s total coal reserve is 7,803 million tons, but extraction is currently limited to the Barapukuria coalfield, which generates 525 MW of electricity. Feasibility studies have been completed for other coalfields such as Dighipara and Khalashpir, while the potential peat coal reserve is estimated at approximately 60 million tons.
Other mineral reserves in Bangladesh include:
* Limestone: 2,527 crore tons
* Hard rock: 20.10 million tons
* Clay: 23 million tons
* Glass sand: 511.7 million tons
* Gravel: 220 million tons
* Iron ore: 62.5 million tons
Mineral-rich districts include Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Joypurhat, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Cox’s Bazar, Comilla, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari.
The BMD Deputy Director also noted that hilly regions may contain a variety of mineral resources, but further research and exploration are needed to fully assess their potential. Even commonly available sand is an important mineral resource, generating billions of Taka annually.
With proper policies, adequate investment, modern technology, and expanded research, Bangladesh could not only achieve self-sufficiency in mineral extraction but also strengthen energy security and contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth. Properly managed, the country’s mineral wealth has the potential to become a cornerstone of national development.
