History of Discovery of Phulbari Coal Field
BHP was awarded exploration licences in different potential areas of northern region in continuation of the Contract (No. 11/C-94) signed on 20 August 1994 for exploration and mining of coal in Northern Bangladesh. BHP conducted exploration activities during the period of 1995-97 in different licence areas in Rangpur and Dinajpur districts and discovered coal field in Phulbari in January 1997.
BHP’s Contract and existing licences were transferred to Asia Energy with the approval of the Government under the scope of the Contract (No. 11/C-94) and prevailing Mines and Minerals Rules.
Asia Energy continued its efforts for exploration and evaluation of Phulbari coal resource. In April 2004, a Mining Lease was granted on core Licence Area of Phulbari coal field. In the meantime, Asia Energy completed pre-feasibility study on Phulbari coal field. Further geological information was collected through drilling of more exploratory holes in 2003 to establish the extent of the basin.
A comprehensive feasibility study was completed during the period of 2004-05, detailed geological and hydrogeological information was collected and potential alternatives of mine development was analysed. The study confirmed that there is a resource of 572 million tonnes of high-quality bituminous coal in the Phulbari coal field and an open cut mine can be developed with an annual production capacity of 15.2 million tonnes that will provide a long-term source of affordable, reliable and economically viable energy for the country.