Nepal’s Rich Iron Reserve Unearthed: Economic Boon or Displacement Nightmare?

May 7, 2024 3:18 am

In a groundbreaking revelation, the Department of Mines and Geology has unveiled plans for the excavation of what is deemed as Nepal’s largest iron mine to date, located in the sprawling hills of Jhumlabang in Rukum East.

This ambitious project, showcased prominently at the recent Nepal Investment Summit, promises to unlock an estimated 200 million tonnes of hematite deposit spread over 100 hectares, positioning Nepal as a potential player in the global iron market.

However, beneath the surface of this promising venture lies a complex narrative of ancestral ties and looming displacement fears. Local communities, like those of the nearby 100 households, are gripped with apprehension as the specter of relocation looms large over their historic homesteads.

For residents like 88-year-old Karna Bahadur Thapa, whose family once traded copper mined from the same region generations ago, the excavation stirs memories of a bygone era. Yet, his nostalgia is tinged with concern for the future as the government’s plans threaten to uproot communities entrenched in centuries-old traditions.

“We used to sell copper at Rs320 per kg,” reminisced Thapa, underscoring the economic significance of past mining activities. However, the prospect of displacement casts a shadow over the potential prosperity, leaving locals like Rup Lal Sunar grappling with uncertainty.

“It is not easy to leave the ancestral place,” Sunar lamented, echoing the sentiments of many facing an uncertain future. While the allure of economic growth beckons, the government’s obligation to address the concerns of its citizens remains paramount.

As the excavation plans progress, questions linger regarding the fate of these communities and the responsibility of the authorities to ensure a just transition. While iron may pave the way for economic prosperity, its extraction must not come at the cost of human displacement and cultural erosion.