Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Tanvir Rahat (talk | contribs) at 12:31, 27 December 2024 (→Origin and characteristics). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The white clay of Bijoypur (Bengali: বিজয়পুরের সাদামাটি), also known as porcelain clay or kaolin, is a significant mineral resource located in the Bijoypur area of Durgapur Upazila in the Netrokona district of Bangladesh. The presence of white clay in this region was identified through a geological survey in 1957. In 2021, the white clay of bijoypur was recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) of Bangladesh.

Geographical location and area

The white clay mine of Bijoypur is located approximately 7 kilometers northwest of the Durgapur Upazila Parishad, in the Arapara and Maizpara mouzas of Kullagora Union. This mineral region is approximately 15.5 kilometers long and 600 meters wide, consisting of small and large hills, mountains, and flat land.

History and discovery

The white clay hills of Bijoypur are primarily from the Tertiary period. The presence of this white clay was identified during a geological survey in 1957. Kohinoor Aluminum Works began commercial extraction of white clay in 1960. Subsequently, 13 test wells were drilled in 1964-65, and commercial extraction of the clay began in 1968. According to the preliminary survey, there are approximately 24.7 million metric tons of white clay reserves in this region, which is capable of meeting Bangladesh's demand for 300 years.

Origin and characteristics

White clay is primarily composed of the mineral kaolinite, which is widely used in the ceramic industry. The White clay from Bijoypur is naturally rich in kaolin or aluminum, making it renowned for its high-quality porcelain. This clay is commonly used in the production of ceramic utensils, tiles, sanitary ware, and glass.

Tourism and biodiversity

The White clay mining area of Bijoypur is now a popular tourist destination. In 2016, the extraction of White clay was halted by court order, which is considered an important step for environmental conservation and safeguarding the livelihoods of local people. Although mining activities are currently suspended, the area contains layers of soil in various colors, including black, reddish, brown, purple, and blue, alongside the White hite clay. Additionally, the beauty of small and large hills, mountains, and blue water lakes attracts tourists.

Images

• Lake located at the White Clay hills in Bijoypur
• Lake located at the White Clay hills in Bijoypur
• White Clay hills in Bijoypur
• Someshwari River at Bijoypur Boat Ghat

See more

• Shataranji
• Madhupur pineapple
• List of geographical indications in Bangladesh

Reference

1. "Bijoypur White Clay Mine". Durgapur Upazila. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
2. "GI product Bijoypur's white clay". Janakantha. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
3. "Visit the white clay hills". Jago News 24. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
4. "White clay hills". Prothom Alo. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
5. Shah Biliya Zulfikar (17 August 2023). "The white clay hills of Bijoypur". Ajker Patrika. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
6. Sanjana Chowdhury (19 June 2021). "GI: The Unique Features of Nine Geographical Indication (GI) Products of Bangladesh". BBC Bangla. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
7. "The White Clay Hills of Bijoypur, the Daughter of Nature". The Bangladesh Times. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
8. "Bijoypur's white clay has received GI product recognition". The Business Standard. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2024.

External links

• Media related to White clay of Bijoypur at Wikimedia Commons

• Geographical indications in Bangladesh