Samples collected during petroleum exploration drilling at Jaljale are of Bhairavi Rural Municipality in Dailekh district have been sent to China for testing. A team of 35 Chinese technicians conducted the drilling, which reached a depth of 4,013 meters.

Geologist Prakash Luintel from the Department of Mines and Geology reported that samples of soil and gravel were collected every two meters and categorized as source rock, reserve wire, and seal rock.

The drilling phase, which began in May last year, involved 35 Chinese experts, 15 of whom remain at the site while the rest returned to China with the samples. Luintel noted that gas storage and processing for further extraction are expected to start within three months.

Initially, the Chinese team conducted a field study to identify potential petroleum reserves in Dailekh. Ring houses were constructed at the selected sites, and drilling followed. Once the mineral reserves are confirmed, financial assessments will be carried out before moving to the production phase.

The project, launched under a Nepal-China cooperation agreement signed on February 28, 2019, was initially planned for completion within three years. However, progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical challenges. Funded by a Rs 2.5 billion Chinese government grant, the initiative aims to reduce Nepal’s dependence on imported fuel by identifying domestic petroleum resources.

The drilling site, established six years ago, spans 45 ropanis (approximately 2.47 hectares) of land. Compensation of Rs 175,000 per ropani was provided to 27 local families for land acquisition. -- RSS