Wikileaks – US Ambassador urges Bangladesh Energy Adviser on natural gas exploration

[BanglaBhoot]

1. (C) The Ambassador recently urged the Prime Minister,s Energy Adviser, Tawfiq Elahi Chowdhury, to resolve several pressing issues, including awarding offshore blocks for natural gas exploration and authorizing coal mining. The Adviser indicated that Conoco Phillips would likely be awarded two of the uncontested blocks and that Chevron would likely soon receive permission to go ahead with the first of three compressors necessary to improve flow in Bangladesh,s main gas pipeline. With respect to coal, Chowdhury requested technical assistance for evaluating the technical and environmental problems associated with different types of mining. The Ambassador and the Energy Advisor agreed that regional cooperation among the South Asian countries would benefit all concerned.

DeshCalling: Wikileaks – US Ambassador urges Bangladesh Energy Adviser on natural gas exploration and authorizing coal mining

 

[eastwatch]

WikiLeaks or not, exploring BoB for gas/oil and using open mining method in our five coal mines indeed make economic sense. US ambassador should be praised for his farsightedness.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Its the Indians who are blocking all these projects because they will lose millions in revenue.

 

[eastwatch]

Its the Indians who are blocking all these projects because they will lose millions in revenue.

Yes, Indians want us to import their low-grade coal filled with sulpher. While BD coal's ash content is around 5%, Indian ash content is above 30%. But, because the India-sponsored intellectual group is always making noise, BD govt has not yet been able to decide on the open mining method. Open mining is the only method to make a profit out of a huge investment.