(a) Coal: Existence of peat, lignite and coal are known in the
different parts of the country. Such occurrences are known in
four stratigraphic positions e.g. (i) Quaternary lignite in Kathmandu
valley (ii) Siwalik coal (iii) Eocene coal and (iv) Gondwana coal.
Lignite deposit in Kathmandu valley. Small scale 19 coal mines
are in operation in Dang, Salyan, Rolpa and Palpa districts. Gondwana
Coal encountered near Barahakshetra and Kampughat areas are not
up to the suitable grade. Coal production in Nepal is insignificantly
small (100 -200ton /day).
(b) Petroleum and Natural Gas:
Fig. 6 |
A series of Oil and Natural gas
seeps are recoded in a stretch of 14km in Padukasthan, Sirsathan
and Navisthan area in Dailekh and only gas seep in Muktinath (Mustang).
GON/ DMG are giving high priority to explore and promote petroleum
exploration in Nepal since 1982. DMG/ Petroleum Exploration Promotion
Project (PEPP) identified 10 prospective blocks in the southern
parts of the country (Fig.6). Shell Company of Netherlands conducted
exploration in Block no.10 in eastern Nepal. It has drilled a
well up to 3520m deep but the hole appeared dry. At present Texana Resources Company of USA and Cairn Energy PLC of UK have initiated
the exploration works in Block no 3 & 5; and 1, 2, 4, 6 &
7 respectively. The possibility of finding oil in some of these
blocks appears fairly high.
(c) Methane gas in Kathmandu valley is associated with ground
water that exists in the lake sediment of the Kathmandu valley. Initial
exploration was carried out with the assistance of Japanese International
Co-operation Agency (JICA). DMG explored this gas in 26 sq. km
area in Kathmandu valley and proved 316 million cubic meter methane
gas deposit. The purpose was to assess the available reserve and
the possibility to use it as an alternative energy. The feasibility
study was conducted in 1996/97 by a private consultant. The study
concludes that the use of methane gas is viable for both domestic
and industrial purposes. Based on the above results, DMG had invited
proposals 5 times from the potential investors to bid for the
development and commercialization of the gas resources for the
benefit of society. But so far no one has taken such initiative.
It is available for the potential investors to develop and commercialize
for the benefit of the people of Kathmandu valley. Recently two companies applied for the promotion of Kathmandu natural gas.
(d) It is recorded that a number of Hot springs are confined
to the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone in Mahakali, Karnali, Tila,
Kaligandaki, Myagdi Khola, Marshyangdi, Trishuli, Bhotekoshi Rivers,
Kodari and Surai Khola. The temperature of the geothermal hot
springs varies from 32 to 115oC. Proper use of such spring water
has yet to be made.
