BAEC, Everlast Minerals sign MoU to develop mineral sand industry

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Everlast Minerals Limited (EML) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote research and development in Bangladesh's mineral sand industry and explore the potential use of the country's mineral resources.

The MoU was signed today (8 September) at the Ministry of Science and Technology in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by Ministry of Science and Technology.

M Moinul Islam, chairman of BAEC, and Delwar Hossain Titu, managing director of Everlast Minerals, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Md Anwar Hossain, secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will cooperate on industry-oriented research, information and knowledge sharing, and technology transfer related to mineral sand development.

They will jointly conduct research, including physical and chemical analyses of mineral sand samples collected from rivers and coastal islands in the southern region, particularly in Bhola, Patuakhali and Noakhali.

"It is essential to establish effective partnerships between government research institutions and the private sector to ensure scientific exploration, research and technology-based utilisation of the country's natural resources," said Md Anwar Hossain.
He said the MoU would provide a foundation for the scientific assessment of potential mineral sand resources, technology development and evaluation of their industrial applicability.

"These efforts will contribute to the country's industrialisation and socio-economic development in the future," he added.

The Institute of Nuclear Geological Sciences (INGS) of BAEC will carry out the relevant field and laboratory activities. BAEC will analyse the collected samples using its own facilities.

Everlast Minerals will provide a hydraulic core drilling rig and vessels for field activities and cover the travel expenses of field teams from both organisations.

The two sides will also conduct research on the mineralogy, geochemistry and metallurgy of mineral sands. The work will include collecting samples of specific minerals, mineral separation, analysing sand quality and composition, developing upgrading technologies and assessing the industrial applicability of mineral sands.

Under the MoU, BAEC representatives will be able to visit Everlast's exploration and mining projects and mineral sand processing plant.

Subject to mutual consent, the organisations may also collaborate through laboratories, research facilities and other areas of cooperation.

The MoU will remain in effect for three years and may be renewed for subsequent terms with the written consent of both parties.

The agreement is not a business arrangement and does not provide any direct financial benefit to either party. Its primary objective is to promote research and development in Bangladesh's mineral sand industry and support the country's socio-economic development.

Additional Secretary Abul Khair Mohammad Akkas Ali, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Touhidul Islam, BAEC Director of Planning and Development Division Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, INGS Director Dr Md Golam Rasul and other officials attended the ceremony.

Senior Consultant Md Khairul Islam and General Manager Md Baharul Alam Biswas of Everlast Minerals were also present.