Kupwara (IaJK) – In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s mineral sector, lignite exploration has resumed in Nichama Rajwar, Handwara, after a gap of 35 years. The project has been entrusted to a Rajasthan-based firm, which is expected to collect over 50 samples from the area within the next two months. The findings will be compiled into a report to be submitted to the central government. Officials have indicated that formal lignite mining operations may commence in March or April next year.
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The presence of lignite in the region was first discovered in 1986. Following this, a private company initiated exploration and installed the necessary machinery in the area. However, due to challenging local conditions, the project was halted, leaving even partially constructed railway tracks and mining machinery abandoned across the terrain. Fifteen years ago, exploration efforts in Nichama resumed briefly but faced obstacles again, forcing a temporary halt.
Nichama is situated about 20 kilometers from Handwara in the Rajwar region and is bordered by the picturesque Bangus Valley. Despite being rich in natural resources, including significant lignite deposits, the area has remained economically underdeveloped due to lack of consistent government focus.
Local residents believe that if lignite mining is officially resumed, it will not only create employment opportunities for unemployed youth but also give the region strategic economic significance. In addition, the area is known to contain non-metallic minerals that could serve as raw materials for various industries.
According to a letter received on September 18 by the District Mineral Officer, Geology & Mining Kupwara, from ‘Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited’ (a company operating under the central Ministry of Mining), the project is part of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Coal and Mining. The letter details plans to begin extraction from approximately 40 potential tunnels within a 1.68 square kilometer area. The company also requested cooperation from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Minerals for surveying, sample collection, geological mapping, and drilling operations.
Mumtaz Ahmed, District Mineral Officer of Geology & Mining, told Kashmir Azma that sample collection in Nichama Rajwar will be completed within two months. He added that formal lignite mining is expected to begin in March or April next year.
Ahmed explained that mineral extraction is a multi-step process. Initially, a survey is conducted to assess the resources present in the area. Potential extraction sites are then identified, and a project report is prepared. In the final stage, 40 to 50 samples are collected to determine mineral type, content, and quality. Once the analysis is complete, the report is sent to the central government, which will formally notify the state government and initiate national-level e-tendering.
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Officials emphasized that restarting lignite mining in Nichama will not only benefit the local economy but also provide sustainable employment to youth in this previously underdeveloped region. Furthermore, lignite could potentially be used to establish thermal power plants, supplying electricity to a large area.
With this development, Nichama Rajwar is poised to become a hub for resource-based economic growth, marking a major milestone 35 years after lignite was first discovered in the region.
