THE discovery of a limestone deposit in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat by the Geological Survey of Bangladesh is another pointer to mineral resource potential of the country waiting to be tapped in on. The news is cheery because the deposit is preliminarily believed to be the largest, viably closer to the surface and capable of meeting the demand for limestone in the country. Currently, we are dependent on import of this important construction ingredient.

There is another possible bright dimension to the discovery. Beneath limestone deposits there is a likelihood of hitting coal.

We can take pride in the achievements of the geological survey of Bangladesh. By spending Tk 300 crore it has discovered mineral wealth worth around Tk 12 lakh 14 thousand crore to date. In the meantime, the coal from Boropukuria is being used in electricity generation. It is a long track record since 1950s of mineral discoveries including that of hard rock and peat. The potential is enormous in the northeastern parts of the country. Even the Cox's Bazar sea-belt and offshore islands are said to be rich in rarer minerals.

While exploring gas, oil has been found in Bibiana field. In fact, our gas is rich in methane which may be a hint to oil reserves.

The messages we draw from the successful exploratory exploits through indigenous capacity must not be lost on the government policy makers. While the government is expected to play a more energetic role, the private sector including NRBs will have to be associated with a string of projects geared to local capacity building. We have to admit that tapping of mineral resource is a capital-cum-technology intensive undertaking requiring adequate equipment and expertise bases. This will have to be provided to local institutions under a master plan. Otherwise, our critical dependence on transnational companies will continue in a context where energy self-sufficiency must be accorded top priority.