Baitadi: A feasibility study of iron mines in Malladehi and Ketila of Southeast Puchowrdi Municipality in Baitadi district. The study is being conducted by the Department of Mines and Geology. Until a few years ago, local residents used to extract iron from the mine.

According to Senior Divisional Geologist Thakur Kandel of the department, a team has already started the study on the iron mines in Kalidhunga and Gharkattya of Puchowrdi Municipality-7 and 8. He said that the study will be conducted using two specific methods including Electrical Resistivity and Magnetic Survey.

The team will conduct the study for a month. A team sent from the department office in Lainchaur, Kathmandu also comprises Geologist Krishna Pandey and Technical Assistant Yagya Prasad Parajuli including Kandel.

The mines which were used in the past have remained closed for a long period of time. With the ongoing preparations to conduct a study of the mines, local residents of the municipality are already hoping to receive employment at the mines.

Furthermore, there are multiple types of mineral mines found across Baitadi district. The mines have remained idle and unused for an extended period as a proper study of them had not been done yet, according to Chief Prithvi Raj Awasthi of Jagannath Bahumukhi Campus. Locals have said that there are multiple iron mines in Kuwakot, Bhatana, Maharudra and Salena among other regions of the district.