Introduction
Bureau of Mineral Development (BMD) is functioning under Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, People's Republic of Bangladesh. It was established in 1962 under Industries and Minerals Division of the then provincial government which was under Industries and Natural Resources Ministry of the central government. It is a revenue earning institution of the Government.
Functions
BMD is performing overall management as well as providing exploration licenses, mining leases and quarry leases of all minerals (except oil and gas) available in the country according to Mines and Minerals Rules, 1968 which was amended in light of Mines and Minerals (Control and Development) Act, 1992 (Act No. 39 of 1992). The main Function of this office is to visit and inspect mining operations spread over whole of Bangladesh in order to check mining activities and production statistics. Other functions relate to:
- Maintaining records of the area bearing economic mineral.
- Receiving of applications for licenses or leases, examination of such applications.
- Granting license or lease to the interested parties for exploration, mining or quarry purposes.
- Maintenance of records for licenses or leases granted.
- Inspection of progress in respect of licenses or leases and observance of rules and regulations, etc., by the parties.
- Initiating appropriate action against a party who fails to adhere to the rules and regulations of licenses or leases as prescribed by the Government.
- Maintenance of records of mineral products in the country and their utilization including export, if any.
- Suggestion for framing of laws, rules and regulations in respect of materials and also any amendment thereof.
- Fixation of royalty, rent, levies, etc., on minerals exploited and realization thereof.
- To collect royalty and others revenue as per rule from exploration licenses, mining leases and quarry leases of different minerals.
Present Status
BMD is now inspecting some areas of granting Mining, exploration and quarry leases.
Area of granted Mining Leases: Coal &Hard Rock
Area of granted exploration Leases: Mineral sand, Coal & Metallic Minerals
Area of granted quarry Leases: White Clay, Silica Sand, Ordinary Stone, Stone mixed with sand.