Kathmandu University (KU) is set to launch undergraduate-level courses in geology and mining engineering to address the shortage of mining engineers in Nepal . This move is a response to the need for qualified engineers who can help explore, extract, process, and ensure the quality of minerals for use in the country's mining and construction industries.
According to Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa, Vice Chancellor of KU, despite the development of the mining industry in Nepal, there is still a shortage of engineers in this field. To address this gap, KU is going to start teaching geology and mining engineering at the undergraduate level from the next academic session. Thapa also stated that Gandaki University has expressed interest in conducting Geological Science and Mining Engineering courses. He also added that the university has prepared a draft of the syllabus, and 30 students will be admitted each year.
Nepal has a wealth of natural resources such as limestone, coal, red clay, granite, marble, gold, and precious and semi-precious stones. However, the mining industry in the country has been hampered by a shortage of qualified engineers.
Gandaki University's Vice Chancellor Dr. Navraj Devkota expressed his excitement about the partnership with KU, saying that the university will start teaching to produce the manpower required for the mining industry. With the potential of mining within the Gandaki province, the launch of these courses is expected to boost employment opportunities and economic growth in the region.
