Mineral Wealth Worth Thousands of Crores Discovered in Bangladesh
Valuable minerals hidden beneath Jamuna’s sand could transform the national economy
Several highly valuable mineral resources have recently been discovered in the riverine chars of the Jamuna and Brahmaputra in northern Bangladesh, with an estimated international market value running into thousands of crores of taka. This is the first time such extensive deposits of heavy minerals have been confirmed in the country, opening up a new horizon of economic possibilities.
These minerals are not only valuable but also strategically important. They are widely used in space research, nuclear technology, electronics, ceramics, rocket manufacturing, and mining machinery—making them essential to some of the world’s most advanced industries.
Where Were These Minerals Found?
Exploration conducted across a vast stretch of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna river system—from Saghata upazila in Gaibandha to Nageshwari and Chilmari in Kurigram—has revealed the presence of these mineral resources. According to research conducted by the Institute of Mining, Minerals and Metallurgy, approximately 2 tons of heavy minerals can be extracted from every 10 tons of sand, indicating immense commercial potential in the international market.
Types of Minerals Identified
Research has confirmed the presence of five major minerals in the sands of the Jamuna River:
Ilmenite – The primary source of titanium; used in paints, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and welding rods.
Zircon – Used in ceramic tiles, nuclear technology, spacecraft, and electronics.
Magnetite – A magnetic mineral used in mining equipment and the steel industry.
Rutile – A refined form of titanium; used in cosmetics and metal production.
Garnet – Used in jewelry, jet cutting, and industrial pipe cleaning.
In addition, traces of high-quality quartz have also been found, which is widely used in watches, computers, and medical equipment.
What Is the International Market Value?
Global demand and prices for these minerals are extremely high. From every 100 tons of sand, approximately the following quantities can be extracted:
50 kg of ilmenite
30 kg of zircon
20 kg of rutile
10 kg of magnetite
10 kg of garnet
Based on this ratio, the Kurigram–Gaibandha region alone holds the potential for mineral extraction worth thousands of crores of taka.
How Did These Minerals Reach Bangladesh?
According to Dr. Ismail Hossain, Professor of Geology and Mining at Rajshahi University, these heavy minerals originated from the erosion of granite-type rocks in the Himalayan mountain range. Over time, they were carried downstream by the Brahmaputra, Jamuna, and Padma rivers and deposited in the riverine chars of Bangladesh. This natural geological process has turned the country’s riverbeds into promising mineral reservoirs.
Pilot Project and Foreign Investment
Bangladesh’s only foreign mineral exploration company, the Australian firm Everest Minerals Limited, is currently conducting a pilot project to extract these resources. The company has stated that if the pilot phase proves successful, commercial extraction could begin as early as next year.
Potential Impact on the National Economy
New Employment Opportunities: Thousands of jobs could be created through mineral extraction, processing, and export operations.
New Export Sector: A sustainable export-oriented industry could emerge, contributing significantly to GDP growth.
International Partnerships: Increased foreign investment could position Bangladesh as a regional power in mineral exports.
Time to Harness the Opportunity
The mineral treasures hidden beneath the sands of the Jamuna chars are more than just soil—they could become a key driving force behind Bangladesh’s future development. What is needed now is proper planning, environmentally friendly technology, transparent management, and strong state support.
These mineral resources worth thousands of crores of taka could become a powerful tool to place Bangladesh more prominently on the global economic map.
