The Business Standard July 8th 20247 Jul 2024 22:54
Exploring alternative coal mining options
When contacted, Zanendra Nath Sarker, chairman of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources Corporation (Petrobangla), the owning company of the coal mine, expressed concern and stated that Petrobangla is exploring options to ensure continuous coal production.
"We have two coal mines near the existing one – Phulbari and Dighipara coalfields in Nawabganj -- as options in our planning. We can proceed with one of these if we get approval from the highest level, though these mines are at very preliminary stages," he said.
However, the government is taking time because developing another mine will require land acquisition, which is a very sensitive decision as the land in that area is very fertile and people's livelihoods are also linked with it.