A deposit of 1.12 billion cubic meters of natural gas has been discovered in Dailekh. According to the Department of Mines and Geology, a preliminary report based on geological studies conducted by the China Geological Survey and drilling carried out by China’s CNPC Xibu Engineering Company has revealed a large presence of methane gas.

The final report, however, is expected to be completed by December, according to the department. Based on the study conducted by the Chinese expert team, it has been found that the methane gas reserve in Jaljale is sufficient to meet Nepal’s needs for 50 years. The department has stated that it has initiated the necessary procedures to conduct test production to confirm this finding.

The Chinese government agency conducted drilling and study for nearly one and a half years starting from Baisakh 28, 2080 (May 11, 2023). “We had drilled up to a depth of 4,013 meters,” said Dinesh Kumar Napit, Deputy Director General of the Department, “and sent samples at every one-meter interval for testing. Now, for the remaining procedures, further agreements will be made between the two governments, and the work will proceed accordingly.”

The Chinese team collected rock samples and took them to China for further testing, including analysis of the quantity and quality of the gas. “Exploration work was initiated based on the estimation of petroleum resources, and now a significant amount of gas has been found,” said Deputy Director General Napit. “The preliminary report has given a positive indication, and now the path has opened for commercial testing.”

Source: Kantipur