Mineral exploration begins in the Brahmaputra Char: The future of the Char may change

The process of mineral extraction and verification has already begun in the vast Char area of the Brahmaputra River in the Karaibari Char of Kamarjani Union of Gaibandha Sadar and Kanchipara Union of Phulchhari Upazila. The Australian-based company Everlast Minerals Limited is conducting experimental mineral extraction and survey activities there. For the past few weeks, the installation of various types of equipment inside the char has been attracting the attention of locals.

Recently, during a visit to the project area, modern equipment for mineral separation was seen, which is mainly used to separate heavy and valuable minerals from river sand. The company has set up a pilot mineral separation plant here. Through this, the structure of the sand at the bottom of the Brahmaputra, the density of minerals, extraction capacity and the possibility of future commercial production will be verified. For a long time, researchers have been thinking that various valuable minerals are present in the sand of the Brahmaputra. The company has started working at the field level to make that possibility a reality.

Initially, the minerals that are being given special attention include zircon, rutile, ilmenite, garnet and magnetite. Due to the huge demand for these minerals in the international market, there is a possibility of developing a new mineral industry in the country. Zircon is used as an essential ingredient in the ceramic and tiles industry. Rutile plays an important role in the manufacture of paints and welding rods. Ilmenite is used to make titanium, which is used in the aircraft, ship and modern technology industries. Garnet is known as a raw material for the abrasive industry used in various types of grinding and polishing. Magnetite is a valuable mineral used in various industrial and factory needs, starting from steel production.

This pilot project, conducted with government permission, has now given rise to new discussions about the future of the country's mineral sector. This is a relatively new experience for Bangladesh in extracting river-based mineral resources. If the project is successful, it could pave the way for commercial extraction of minerals from river sand for the first time in the country. This has the potential to create employment in the northern region, establish new industries, develop the communication and transportation sectors, and develop the local economy.

Mr. Baharul Alam Biswas, General Manager of Everlast Mineral Limited, said on his mobile phone, "We are trying to collect valuable mineral resources from sand in about 4,000 hectares of uncultivated char in the Gaibandha section of the Brahmaputra. We have already completed the installation of our mineral separation plant. We hope something good will happen."

Meanwhile, people in the char area are also expressing optimism about the project. They believe that these areas, which have been at risk of flooding and erosion for many years, can benefit from development due to new industrial potential.

Retired teacher Mr.Abdul Hamid, a local resident of Bhasharpara Char in Kanchipara Union of Fulchhari Upazila, said, "Once, Char meant a neglected and underdeveloped township. But the mineral resources in the sand have been a blessing for the Char people. If this project is successful, it will create employment for many people in the Char area."

Mr.Sheikh Mosharraf Hossain, president of the Gaibandha Government College branch of 'Tir', which works on the environment, said that it is important that each phase of the project be subject to environmental impact assessment so that there is no permanent damage to the river and the Char area. If the lifting operation is successful in the long term, Bangladesh will enter the river sand-dependent mineral industry on a large scale for the first time—which can open up new possibilities for the country's overall economy.