DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Premier Minerals Limited (PML), an Australian company registered in Singapore, to conduct geological surveys and laboratory activities for the development of heavy mineral resources found in the coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Md Mazibur Rahman and Premier Minerals Limited Managing Director Craig Figtree signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Bangladesh Secretariat, a handout said.

According to the MoU, the Commission will jointly assess the current status of heavy mineral deposits discovered on the coast, establish necessary laboratories at the beach mineral sand extraction centre in Cox's Bazar, conduct geological surveys in the sea beach area using modern technology, and conduct further laboratory analysis of the collected heavy minerals to verify the commercial potential of economic minerals. 

Through this programme, it will play a role in the socioeconomic development of the country by ensuring the appropriate use of an important natural resource of Bangladesh.

Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Md. Rashedul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSO), were present, among others.