Uranium in Kulaura Pahar
The story of uranium in Kulaura Pahar has long captured the imagination of Bangladeshis. Located in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura Upazila, this scenic hill is known to trekkers and locals for its beauty. Yet, beneath its green cover lies a far more strategic story. Geological surveys suggest that Kulaura Pahar and nearby Sylhet-Moulvibazar belts may hold traces of uranium, the vital fuel for nuclear power.
This possibility matters because Bangladesh is already moving into the nuclear age. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will rely on imported enriched uranium from Russia. If local uranium is confirmed, it could change Bangladesh’s energy future. According to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, uranium exploration began in the 1970s with UNDP and IAEA support. Their studies placed Sylhet and Moulvibazar high on the exploration list. That is where Kulaura Pahar comes into the picture.
The Location and Significance of Kulaura Pahar
Kulaura Pahar, also called Kala Pahar, rises about 334 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in the greater Sylhet region. Around 60 percent of this hill lies in Bangladesh, while the rest extends into India’s Tripura state. The hill sits within the Longla or Hararganj range, a geological structure belonging to the Eastern Mobile Belt.
What makes Kulaura Pahar so significant is not only its height. Its geology resembles nearby formations in India where sedimentary uranium has been found. For Bangladesh, this means the hill is part of a natural corridor of potential mineral wealth. Trekkers often visit for adventure, but experts look at the hill as a possible source of nuclear energy.
A History of Uranium Exploration in Bangladesh
The story of uranium in Kulaura Pahar links back to Bangladesh’s search for nuclear resources. In 1976, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission launched a uranium exploration program. Supported by IAEA and UNDP, the program studied sandstones, anticlines, and folded belts near the Indian border. The Harargaj structure in Moulvibazar was one of the areas flagged for follow-up.
By the early 1980s, BAEC identified favorable rock formations across Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, and Dinajpur. These included Tipam and Mahadek sandstones known for hosting uranium in neighboring India. Initial surveys recorded anomalies, but no commercial deposit was confirmed. Exploration slowed in the 1990s but resumed in the 2000s as nuclear energy returned to the national agenda.
Public Claims and Reported Discoveries
BAEC officials have occasionally stated that samples in Sylhet and Moulvibazar showed uranium levels of about 500 parts per million. Media reports in 2015 and 2017 highlighted these claims, raising public interest. The numbers sparked excitement because 500 ppm is significant for early exploration. However, experts warned that trace amounts do not mean commercially viable mines.
In Bangladesh, uranium discussions often include Kulaura Pahar because of its geology and location. Locals believe the hill holds valuable resources, and this belief has become part of regional identity. Yet, until detailed drilling and economic studies are completed, uranium in Kulaura Pahar remains a possibility, not a proven reserve.
Global Context of Uranium
To understand the importance of uranium in Kulaura Pahar, it helps to look at global numbers. According to the World Nuclear Association, proven uranium reserves worldwide total over six million tonnes. Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia hold the majority.
Bangladesh is not yet on this list, but even small deposits could matter. Nuclear plants consume thousands of tonnes of uranium annually. If Kulaura Pahar or Sylhet’s hills contribute, it could reduce reliance on imports. It would also give Bangladesh more bargaining power in global energy markets.
Why Uranium Matters for Bangladesh
Bangladesh faces a rising energy demand. The economy has grown by over six percent annually for two decades. Industrialization, urbanization, and higher living standards require more electricity. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with two 1,200 MW reactors, will provide stable power. But imported fuel makes the country dependent on foreign suppliers.
Finding local uranium could change this. It would improve energy security, reduce costs, and strengthen technological independence. Even partial domestic supply would be a strategic advantage. That is why uranium in Kulaura Pahar and similar sites matters so much for the future.
Geological Evidence in Sylhet-Moulvibazar
The uranium in Kulaura Pahar debate has scientific support. The Sylhet-Moulvibazar area sits on folded sandstones that resemble the Mahadek Formation across the Indian border. In India’s Meghalaya and Tripura regions, uranium has been documented in similar rocks.
Bangladesh’s own surveys confirm that the Eastern Mobile Belt, which includes Longla and Hararganj hills, is favorable for uranium. Geologists describe it as part of the Indo-Burman ranges, with organic-rich sandstones suitable for uranium accumulation. Kulaura Pahar sits squarely in this zone.
Challenges to Development
Even if uranium in Kulaura Pahar is confirmed, challenges remain. Mining uranium requires careful handling to prevent radiation risks. Environmental protection is vital because the area is covered by forests and tea estates. Local communities, including Khasi villages, depend on the land. Any mining project must balance economic goals with ecological safety.
Cross-border geography adds another layer of complexity. Since part of the hill extends into India, cooperation with Tripura would be necessary. Transboundary environmental impacts could create diplomatic issues.
Another challenge is cost. Exploration alone can take decades and millions of dollars. Setting up a uranium mine requires heavy infrastructure, strict safeguards, and skilled manpower. Bangladesh would need international partnerships and advanced technology.
Comparing with Other Minerals in Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not yet produce uranium, but it does have other mineral resources. In Cox’s Bazar, radioactive heavy minerals have been found in beach sands. These include zircon and monazite, which contain uranium and thorium. However, these occur as trace minerals, not large deposits.
This comparison shows why uranium in Kulaura Pahar is unique. Unlike coastal placers, the Sylhet-Moulvibazar belt offers a chance of sandstone-hosted uranium, which can form more concentrated deposits. That is why experts pay so much attention to this region.
Nuclear Power and Imported Uranium
For now, Bangladesh imports uranium for its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency supervises safeguards to ensure peaceful use. At Rooppur, Russia’s Rosatom provides enriched uranium, handles waste, and trains local staff.
This arrangement is safe, but it means Bangladesh relies on foreign partners. If uranium in Kulaura Pahar becomes viable, it could change the balance. Local supply would not replace imports entirely, but it would increase resilience.
Future Prospects and Policy Needs
The future of uranium in Kulaura Pahar depends on decisive policy action. First, more investment in geological surveys is needed. Detailed radiometric mapping, sampling, and drilling can confirm whether deposits exist. Second, environmental safeguards must be built in from the start. Community involvement is essential to avoid conflict.
Bangladesh can also learn from neighbors. India has developed uranium mines in Jharkhand and Meghalaya while balancing local concerns. Kazakhstan has become the world’s largest uranium producer by adopting modern in-situ recovery techniques. These lessons could guide Bangladesh.
Global partnerships will remain key. Organizations like IAEA, UNDP, and bilateral partners can provide expertise, funding, and oversight. Transparency and public trust are also vital. Rumors alone cannot drive policy. Proven data must guide decisions.
The possibility of uranium in Kulaura Pahar reflects both hope and caution. On one hand, geological evidence, past surveys, and public statements suggest that Sylhet’s hills may hold nuclear minerals. On the other hand, no commercial reserve has been confirmed.
Still, the stakes are high. With energy demand rising and nuclear power expanding, even modest uranium discoveries would be strategic. For Bangladesh, confirming and responsibly developing such resources could strengthen energy security and national pride.
Kulaura Pahar is already a symbol of adventure and natural beauty. If its hidden treasure proves real, it may also become a symbol of Bangladesh’s nuclear future.
