Kathmandu: The Department of Mines and Geology has started the exploration of iron ore at Lohakot of Sankhuwasabha and Malladevi of Baitadi district.

A team from the Department has started mine exploration works on 50 square kilometers area at Lohakot and on 15 square kilometers area at Malladevi.

Department Director-General Ram Prasad Ghimire said the 'mapping' works have been forwarded after studying the prospective locations in the area. "We will carry out a study on a larger area and then gradually do it in a small area."

It has also deputed human resources for carrying out the geophysical study of the prospective area for a month.

Similarly, the Department is carrying out study and drilling works on granite mines at Phosredanda of Kavrepalanchok. Director-General Ghimire said the study is also being done on the rocks found in the hills of Sindhuli and in streams in Kailali.

The Department has granted permission for the study and extraction of minerals at eight places throughout the country in the current fiscal year. It is also carrying out the geoengineering and environmental study of 22 cities since 1996.