The Department of Mines and Geology has prepared a draft mineral policy in a bid to conserve natural resources and prospect for mineral deposits and extract them in a sustainable manner without affecting local livelihoods. 

The proposed mineral policy is the first of its kind. The absence of a guideline has prevented progress in the sector even though the government has been prospecting for minerals for the past six decades.

There is a legal framework for the operation, regulation and administration of mineral development activities in Nepal in the form of the Mines and Mineral Act and Regulation, but lack of policy has hindered the sector’s development. 

The proposed policy, according to Rajendra Prasad Khanal, director general of the Department of Mines and Geology, will help the exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable way and the distribution of such resources in an equitable manner.

Although, there has been some success in prospecting for non-metallic minerals and extracting them, it’s a different story with regard to metallic minerals. Stakeholders have pointed out the need for an appropriate act and regulation for sustainable development of the mines and minerals sector. 

“This policy will ensure that our mines and minerals are exploited in a sustainable manner so that adequate amounts are left for our future generations too,” said Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi. “Similarly, this policy will make sure that the right procedures are followed when prospecting for minerals and extracting them so that the country will get the maximum benefit.”

The department has submitted a draft of the policy to the Industry Ministry which is currently discussing the document with various stakeholders. The draft will be sent to the Law Ministry for final consultations and comments and then finally to the Cabinet for its approval.

“We are planning to send the draft policy to the Cabinet within a couple of weeks,” said Joshi. “After getting its approval, an act and regulation will be drafted on the basis of the policy.”