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Department of Geology and Mines, Bhutan

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Department of Geology and Mines, Bhutan

Official Page of Department of Geology and Mines, MoENR

➡️Oversee and regulate geoscientific, exploration and mining activities in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Vision

To contribute to sustainable socio-economic development through geoscientific studies and scientific management of mineral resources in the kingdom of Bhutan

Mission

1. To develop mineral resources compatible with the social, environment, cultural heritage and economic policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan

2. To provide input for national development and social welfare to the citizen

s of Bhutan by opening up avenue for investment and employment in mineral resources sector; and

3. To apply geoscientific knowledge and practices in mitigation and risk reduction associated with geohazards to improve the resilience of the community. Functions

The Department of Geology and Mines as an agency responsible to carry out geo-scientific studies and scientific management of mineral resources, shall carry out the following functions:

(1) Develop policy, plan, guidelines and standards related to the management of mines and minerals, and geoscientific activities. (2) Formulate rules and regulations for implementation of provisions related to mines and minerals and geo-scientific activities. (3) Conduct geological surveys to generate geological and mineral resources information. (4) Conduct geohazard studies to generate geohazard information. (5) Produce, manage and oversee geological, mineral resources and mining database. (6) Carry out exploration of minerals of geological potential on its own or outsource. (7) Issue, renew or terminate the exploration licence;
(8) Approve, renew or terminate lease of mines and quarries. (9) Issue, renew or terminate the permits for short-term quarry, surface collection of minerals and artisanal mining. (10) Maintain a mineral cadastre;
(11) Regulate and monitor geoscientific and exploration activities, mining and quarry operations, surface collection of minerals, artisanal mining and short-term quarry. (12) Regulate and monitor sale of minerals or mineral products. (13) Approve the surrender, restoration and closure of mines or part thereof. (14) Provide technical advice and recommendations relating to mining and geoscientific activities to the Ministry. (15) Institute an appropriate mechanism of annual appraisal, ranking and recognition of mining operators based on standard criteria; and
(16) Discharge any other functions incidental thereto. The department is supported by four divisions:

1. Geoscience & Mineral Division
2. Earthquake & Geophysics Division
3. Mineral Development Division
4. Mining Division

04/06/2026

On the auspicious occasion of the 36ᵗʰ Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, the Department of Geology and Mines joins the nation in extending our heartfelt prayers and warmest wishes for Her Majesty’s good health, happiness, and longevity.

Long Live Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen.

02/06/2026

On the auspicious occasion of the Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) joins the nation in offering our deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude.

We humbly pay tribute to His Majesty’s remarkable legacy, which continues to guide and inspire the nation’s journey of progress under the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. On this significant day, DGM joins the people of Bhutan in celebrating and honoring His Majesty’s selfless service and lifelong dedication to the nation.

28/05/2026

DGM-UTEP Technical Seminar on Geochemistry and Seismology

As part of the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), USA, a technical seminar was successfully hosted on 26th May 2026 with participation from officials of DGM, the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Department of Water (DOW), and Department of Energy (DoE).

The seminar featured presentations on emerging applications of geochemistry and seismology in understanding Bhutan’s river systems, glacial environments, and disaster risks:

Developing water chemistry and isotope toolbox to quantify flow paths and water transit times in Bhutan watersheds - Professor Lin Ma

Glacial outburst floods and their seismic signals: example from the 2016 Bhotekoshi flood - Sunny Karmacharya

Seismic signals of the Pho Chu River in northern Bhutan: glacial melt and monsoon rains - Professor Marianne Karplus

Key discussions focused on river water geochemistry and isotopes for understanding watershed processes, sediment sources, chemical weathering, and geological characteristics, as well as the application of seismic monitoring for analysing Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and strengthening Early Warning Systems (EWS).

The seminar also highlighted ongoing DGM-UTEP research on the Pho Chu River, where seismic methodologies are being applied for the first time in Bhutan to study glacial geomorphology, hydrology, and river dynamics, supporting improved flood and GLOF early warning applications.

The event served as an important platform for scientific exchange and collaboration, advancing innovative approaches to geo-hazard monitoring and water resource management in Bhutan.

23/05/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

23rd May 2026

The Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), MoENR, today organized a mixed-gender intra-departmental basketball tournament to promote staff wellbeing, physical fitness, and a healthy work-life balance. Staff members from various divisions participated enthusiastically in friendly yet competitive matches.

The event successfully strengthened team spirit, fostered camaraderie, and enhanced interpersonal relationships, contributing to a more active, inclusive, and cohesive workplace culture.

06/05/2026

SEALED-BID AUCTION NOTIFICATION

The Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), hereby announces a sealed-bid auction for 6,720 m³ (840 truckloads) of seized construction materials located at Dolambu under Lingbukha Gewog, Punakha.

Interested bidders are invited to submit their sealed bids in accordance with the terms and conditions specified by the Department. D

For further details, please contact the Mining Division, DGM, MoENR.

04/05/2026

Technical Collaboration between the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), Grafitbergbau Kaisersberg (Austria), and ProGraphite GmbH (Germany)

On 30 April 2026, the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) convened a virtual meeting with the Managing Director of Grafitbergbau Kaisersberg, a leading graphite supplier in Europe, and the founder of ProGraphite GmbH, Germany, a provider of specialized graphite solutions. The meeting focused on assessing the development potential of Bhutan’s graphite resources.

During the discussion, the Director General of DGM outlined the Department’s strategic intent to advance graphite resource development by prioritizing deposits with strong value potential, while remaining aligned with Bhutan’s social, environmental, and cultural considerations. The dialogue also examined pathways to strengthen Bhutan’s position within the global graphite value chain, including opportunities for beneficiation and related testing to support the techno-economic feasibility of the country’s deposits.

15/04/2026

Today, the HRD team delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Draft Moderation Guidelines to the department. The session highlighted the purpose, scope, and key principles of the guidelines, focusing on ensuring fairness, consistency, and transparency in moderation practices.
Key areas covered included:
• Standardized moderation procedures and criteria
• Roles and responsibilities of moderators and reviewers
• Mechanisms for handling discrepancies and appeals
• Emphasis on accountability and continuous improvement
The interactive discussion that followed provided valuable insights and feedback from participants, which will help further refine the guidelines before finalization.
We appreciate the HRD team’s efforts in driving this important initiative and thank all attendees for their active participation and constructive inputs.

07/04/2026

Revised Minimum Floor Price for levy of Ad Valorem Export Royalty

30/03/2026

The Department of Geology and Mines successfully concluded the Mines Supervisor Training Program, conducted from 10th March to 30th March, with a closing ceremony graced by the Chief Engineer of the Mining Division. The 21 day program witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from mine personnel representing various mining sites, reflecting a strong commitment to professional development and operational excellence.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in a series of comprehensive technical sessions, discussions, and interactive learning activities that enhanced their knowledge, leadership capabilities, and practical skills. The program effectively prepared them to undertake supervisory roles with greater confidence, while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards and best practices in mining operations. The closing ceremony marked the successful completion of this enriching program, during which certificates were awarded to participants based on their performance in both theoretical and practical examinations.

Moreover, this initiative forms part of the 13th Five-Year Plan, aimed at strengthening capacity within the private sector in mining, aligning with the Department’s objective of promoting scientific mining practices, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

25/03/2026

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 🙏

Coinciding with the auspicious Z***r, the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), signed Agreements for the Allocation of Surface Collection and Dredging Sites with the 11 winning bidders for auctioned sites under Phuentsholing Thromde and Samtse Dzongkhag on 25.03.2026.

The signing ceremony was graced by the Director General of DGM, along with senior officials of the Department in Thimphu, and the 11 successful bidders. The signing marks an important milestone for DGM in the successful conduct of the auction process and in implementing mitigation measures along the Toorsa River to safeguard the PDTP project while enhancing scientific dredging practices.

The sealed bid auction was carried out with the objective of promoting transparency and fairness in the allocation of surface collection and dredging sites, including those with export potential.

The successful bidders will be issued permits to commence activities. The permits shall be valid for a period of three to five years, depending on the nature of the deposits and the size of the auctioned sites.

Tashi Delek

Address

Thimphu
11001

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+9752323096

Website

http://www.dgm.gov.bt/

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