Methane Gas Exploration Project in Jaljale, Dailekh

under exploration

A preliminary report by the China Geological Survey (CGS) has identified significant methane gas reserves in Jaljale, Dailekh. The exploration was conducted under a bilateral agreement between Nepal and China, with the first drilling operation reaching a depth of 4,013 metres and revealing an estimated 1.12 billion cubic metres of methane in a single well. The total reserve in the area could reach 430 billion cubic metres, potentially meeting Nepal's gas demand for around 50 years. Further testing is underway to assess gas quality, commercial viability, and economic potential, with a final report expected by December 2025 and plans to begin commercial production testing thereafter. The project is grant-funded by the Chinese government and overseen by the Department of Mines and Geology in Nepal.