Why Mining Local Coal Deserves Top Priority Now

Among all options, mining hugely untapped superior-quality coal resources must be the top priority now. Exploring and developing petroleum resources offshore will take 8-10 years even if Bangladesh can conclude PSCs by 2026, Even successful exploration of Petroleum onshore may not be enough to meet huge demand now or in the middle term.

- Khondkar Abdus Saleque

Extensive development of renewable energy cannot replace fossil fuel requirements till 2040. Bangladesh does not have obligations to reduce emissions for its insignificant carbon footprint. The decarbonization process may not necessarily be accelerated. Bangladesh has about 3 billion tonnes of discovered coal resources at 5 mines. If exploited by applying state-of-the-art mining technology, the coal seams buried at shallow, minable depths can ensure the generation and supply of 10,000 MW of coal-based power for 50 years. Extensive studies at Phulbari by accredited mining consultants evidenced that mining can be done by addressing all environmental and social impacts. Right across the border in West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, several open pit mines have been in safe operation for years. Some mined areas have turned into green sanctuaries after rehabilitation. Successive governments since 2005 remained hesitant and perplexed in making the required political decisions. Precious time has been wasted in the name of coal policy formulation. Experts observe that the Mines & Minerals Act and Policy have enough provisions for mining.

Bangladesh’s coal resources are in the high-yielding rice-growing areas of greater Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. The soft silty water-bearing topsoil is not ideal for underground mining as has been evidenced at Barapukuria. The extensive techno-economic studies carried out at Phulbari evidenced that it is very much possible to manage impacts on water and cause minimum impacts on agriculture. Phulbari field is in an advanced stage of commencing mining. For many reasons, mining coal from Phulbari and using that coal for power generation must be a top priority national agenda for achieving sustainable energy security. The business-as-usual strategy now may lead the economy to collapse due to a chronic energy crisis otherwise.

Present Mining Operations