August 3: Kathmandu University (KU), located in Dhulikhel, is set to introduce a new four-year course on geology and mining engineering.

 The university's initiative aims to implement the concept of 'one local level, one mining engineer', where each local level in areas like Kavrepalanchowk and other districts would encourage at least one student to pursue a mining engineering degree.

This decision was discussed during an interaction session on the importance, utility, and academic research of mining engineers in Nepal, held by KU on Wednesday.

Professor Dr. Bholanath Thapa, the deputy vice-chancellor of KU, highlighted the significance of mining engineers in promoting sustainable mining operations and conserving natural resources.

 Thapa expressed the urgent need for trained mining engineers to address the shortage within domestic mining industries. This endeavor is aimed at resolving the scarcity of mining engineers in the country.

During the event, Ram Prasad Ghimire, the director general of the Department of Mines and Geology, highlighted the scarcity of mining engineers in Nepal.

He noted that currently, only four mining engineers are employed at the Department, and no mining industries in the country have a significant number of qualified mining engineers.

Ghimire further explained that this scarcity presents ample opportunities for aspiring mining engineers. He described mining engineering as a relatively new and research-based discipline that holds great potential for exploration and growth.

Shyamsundar Khadka, the Chief of the Department of Civil Engineering at KU, presented a working paper during the event.  The paper highlighted the significance of mining engineers and shed light on the current practice of hiring mining engineers from neighboring countries like China and India due to the shortage of qualified professionals in Nepal.

This underscores the immediate necessity for producing skilled mining engineers within the country. (RSS)