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Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Everlast Minerals Limited (EML) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote research and development in the country’s mineral sands sector and ensure the proper utilisation of promising mineral resources.
BAEC Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam and Everlast Minerals Managing Director Delwar Hossain Titu signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations at a meeting room of the Ministry of Science and Technology on Tuesday. Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Md Anwar Hossain attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate on industry-oriented research and development, exchange information and knowledge, and facilitate technology transfer for the development of the mineral sands sector.
They will conduct research activities, including the collection of mineral sand samples and their physical and chemical analysis, in various riverine and southern coastal island areas, particularly in Bhola, Patuakhali and Noakhali.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said effective partnerships between government research institutions and the private sector were essential to ensure the scientific exploration, research and technology-based utilisation of the country’s natural resources.
He said the agreement would lay an important foundation for the scientific assessment of promising mineral sand resources, technology development and evaluation of their industrial applications.
Under the MoU, BAEC’s Institute of Nuclear Geological Sciences (INGS) will carry out field- and laboratory-based activities. The commission will analyse the collected sand samples using its own facilities.
For field activities, Everlast will provide a modern hydraulic core drilling rig and vessels as required, while covering necessary travel expenses for field teams.
The two sides will also conduct joint research on the mineralogy, geochemistry and metallurgy of mineral sands, mineral separation, quality and compositional analysis, upgrading technologies and their potential industrial applications.
BAEC representatives will also be able to visit Everlast’s exploration and mining projects and mineral sand processing plant. Laboratory facilities, research infrastructure and other collaborative activities may also be undertaken based on mutual agreement.
The MoU will initially remain in force for three years and may be renewed for subsequent terms with the written consent of both parties.
The agreement is not a commercial contract. Its primary objective is to promote research and development in Bangladesh’s mineral sands sector and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development through the proper utilisation of its mineral resources.
BAEC Director of Planning and Development Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, INGS Director Dr Md Golam Rasul and other officials concerned attended the ceremony. Everlast Minerals Senior Consultant Md Khairul Islam and General Manager Md Baharul Alam Biswas were also present.
Everlast Minerals is engaged in mineral sand exploration and mining activities in Bangladesh. Its work in the sector could open up new opportunities for research and the utilisation of the country’s promising mineral sand resources.