DHULIKHEL: The Dhulikhel-based Kathmandu University (KU) has come up with the concept of ‘one local level, one mining engineer’.

In a bid to implement this concept, the KU would be introducing a four-year course on geology and mining engineering from the current academic session, it is said.

Deputy vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Bholanath Thapa shed light on the significance of mining engineers for sustainable mining operations and conservation of natural resources.

He urged each local levels in Kavrepalanchowk and other districts to encourage at least one student to pursue the mining engineering degree. He claimed that the initiation aimed to addressing the shortage of mining engineers in domestic mining industries.

Department of Mines and Geology director general Ram Prasad Ghimire said Nepal has just a handful of mining engineers.

“No mining industries in the country have mining engineers who number just four at the Department. The situation itself indicates ample opportunities for mining engineers.”

According to him, mining engineering is relatively a new, explorative and a research-based discipline.