Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Mineral sand deposits in river and southern coastal island areas, including Bhola, Patuakhali and Noakhali districts, will undergo scientific assessment under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today between Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Everlast 
Minerals Limited (EML).

The assessment will cover the mineralogy, geochemistry and metallurgy of mineral sand, along with collection of specific mineral samples, mineral separation, and analysis of sand quality, composition and upgradation technology, aimed at determining the usability of the resources according to the country's industrial needs, said a ministry press release.

For the fieldwork, the Institute of Nuclear Geological Sciences (INGS), under BAEC, will carry out field and laboratory activities, while the commission will analyse sand samples collected at its own facilities.

Everlast will supply its modern hydraulic core drill rig and vessels for field operations and will bear the travel costs of both parties' field teams.

The MoU also provides for exchange of information and knowledge and technology transfer between the two organisations, and allows BAEC representatives to inspect Everlast's exploration and mining projects and its 
mineral sand processing plant, with scope for further collaboration on laboratories and research facilities based on mutual consent.

The agreement was signed by Chairman of BAEC Dr M Moinul Islam and Managing Director (MD) of Everlast Minerals Limited Delwar Hossain Titu on behalf of their respective organisations, at a ceremony at the conference room of the Ministry of Science and Technology here. 

Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain attended the event as the chief guest.

The MoU has an initial term of three years, renewable with the written consent of both parties. It is not a business agreement and does not aim to generate direct financial benefit for either party; its main objective is research and development of the country's mineral sand industry and the resulting socio-economic development.

Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Anwar Hossain said effective partnership between government research institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure scientific exploration, research and technology-based use of the country's natural resources.

"This MoU creates an important foundation for the scientific evaluation of potential mineral sand resources, technology development and assessment of industrial usability, which will contribute to the country's 
industrialisation and socio-economic development in the future," he added.