Mineral sand deposits in river and southern coastal island areas, including Bhola, Patuakhali, and Noakhali districts, will undergo scientific assessment under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today between Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Everlast Minerals Limited (EML). The assessment will cover the mineralogy, geochemistry, and metallurgy of mineral sand, along with the collection of specific mineral samples, mineral separation, and analysis of sand quality, composition, and upgradation technology, aimed at determining the usability of the resources according to the country's industrial needs, said a ministry press release.
For the fieldwork, the Institute of Nuclear Geological Sciences (INGS), under BAEC, will carry out field and laboratory activities, while the commission will analyze sand samples collected at its own facilities. Everlast will supply its modern hydraulic core drill rig and vessels for field operations and will bear the travel costs of both parties' field teams.
The MoU also provides for the exchange of information and knowledge and technology transfer between the two organizations, and allows BAEC representatives to inspect Everlast's exploration and mining projects and its mineral sand processing plant, with scope for further collaboration on laboratories and research facilities based on mutual consent.
The agreement was signed by Chairman of BAEC Dr. M Moinul Islam and Managing Director (MD) of Everlast Minerals Limited Delwar Hossain Titu on behalf of their respective organizations, at a ceremony at the conference room of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain attended the event as the chief guest.
The MoU has an initial term of three years, renewable with the written consent of both parties. It is not a business agreement and does not aim to generate direct financial benefit for either party; its main objective is research and development of the country's mineral sand industry and the resulting socio-economic development.
Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Anwar Hossain said effective partnership between government research institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure scientific exploration, research, and technology-based use of the country's natural resources. "This MoU creates an important foundation for the scientific evaluation of potential mineral sand resources, technology development, and assessment of industrial usability, which will contribute to the country's industrialization and socio-economic development in the future," he added.
