Three iron mines await excavation
Summary
Three iron mines in Baitadi remain undeveloped despite showing strong potential, including a site in Sigash Rural Municipality with tests finding up to 38 per cent magnetite iron. Local residents say the lack of forest clearance, road access, electricity and coordination has kept the mines closed for years, hurting employment and the local economy.
Key Points
- Three iron mines in Baitadi, including sites in Sigash, Purchaudi and Melauli municipalities, remain unused despite high iron potential.
- Tests at Ballekana in Sigash Rural Municipality found up to 38 per cent magnetite iron, but excavation has not started.
- Local leaders say the project is stalled by forest land use issues, weak government coordination and missing infrastructure such as roads and electricity.
- Residents say the mine closures have reduced local jobs and pushed young people to seek work in India and Gulf countries.
