Myagdi. Myagdi: An exploration has begun for the restoration of the okharbot copper mine in Malika rural municipality of Myagdi. A team of geologists from MS Dongyi Minerals Pvt Ltd, which is licensed by the Department of Mines and Geology, has started an on-site study to explore the copper mine. It is said that there is an okharbot copper mine on the border of Malika rural municipality-3 and 4.

Geologist Ronit Poudel said that in the first phase, a study has been started to identify the amount of copper in the mine and measures to reduce the environmental impact and its impact during the excavation. “After the approval of the preliminary environmental test report, copper will be discovered and researched in the mine,” he said, adding, “The process of excavation will proceed in the next phase after searching the mine and conducting a feasibility study.” ’

Until 2028 BS, copper was extracted from the oakbot mine using local technology. Bisram Patel, 72, of Malika rural municipality-3, said the copper mine was closed at that time due to lack of technology and the need to pay taxes to the state more than the income.

Patel said that more than 200 workers work in this copper mine every day and up to 7÷8 dharni is extracted every day. There are two sources in the copper mine. The length of these sources ranges from 250 to 500 meters. Copper can still be seen there. There are tunnels of copper mines that can reach up to 200 meters.

Moti Prasad Budha, ward chair of Malika-3, said the company has already collected suggestions from the residents of the affected areas in writing along with public hearings for environmental impact assessment. Deepak Patel, a local, said that the residents of Okharbot and Khaten, who were happy that the study for mining has been started, have been asked to take precautions to avoid environmental and disaster-related incidents and give priority to those affected in employment.

“If mining takes place, we will have to leave the place where we have been living for generations,” he said, adding, “Priority should be given to the affected people in settlement relocation and employment opportunities before excavation.” ’

The copper mine at Khatendanda of Malika rural municipality-4 (erstwhile Okharbot-80) is the main one excavated by the local khanels using indigenous technology. There are 21 copper mines at Gurja, Malkwang, Machhim, Thadakhani and Chaur of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-6.

Due to the lack of operation of the mines, the skills of the local ‘khannels’ who are skilled in mining have not been transferred. The traditional occupation of the Chhantyal tribe living in Myagdi was mining.