New Delhi: A small island in Bangladesh is poised to become a hub of gold for Bangladesh as natural minerals such as ilmenite magnetite garnet zircon rutile and monazite have been discovered on Sonadia Island. Sonadia is a small island approximately 9 square kilometres in size located in the Maheshkhali subdistrict of Coxs Bazar District Bangladesh. It is covered with mangroves and forests. The soil here has yielded valuable minerals estimated to be approximately 700000 tons with garnet and ilmenite being the most abundant. Experts say that if these minerals can be commercially exploited they could provide a new impetus to the countrys economy. Recent research A research paper on the valuable resources of Sonadia Island was recently published by the Switzerland-based research journal Discover Geoscience. This research was conducted by four researchers: Mohammad Shakhawat Hussain Mohammad Shahriar Rahman Ghulam Taqi and Maftuha Jahan from the University of Otago in Dunedin New Zealand Westin University in Australia and Jahangirnagar University. What minerals were found on the island? This research revealed that the islands sand contains 51.52% garnet and 38.14% ilmenite. Magnetite was also found at 5.74% zircon at 1.01% rutile at 3.57% and monazite at 0.01%. The islands dunes contain significantly higher concentrations of heavy minerals than other coastal areas. Both garnet and ilmenite are in high demand internationally. Garnet is used in industries such as waterjet cutting polishing and sandblasting while ilmenite produces titanium metal which is used in the aircraft defense and space industries. More research required However Dr. Mohammad Aminur Rahman a scientist at Bangladeshs Institute of Mining Mineralogy and Metallurgy (IMMM) says that the 700000 tons of mineral resources found in Sonadia are very small and the potential for commercial exploitation can only be determined after further investigation. He explained that research conducted in Coxs Bazar Teknaf Maheshkhali and Sonadia in the 1980s revealed the presence of 21 million tons of minerals. Probable revenue of 2000 crore Taka According to the Bangladesh Geological Survey Department the government is now working towards extracting minerals from river sand. They estimate that if even 10% of the rivers sediment is processed each year it could generate an annual revenue of 2000 crore taka. Research also found that Sonadia Islands minerals including zircon rutile and ilmenite contain high concentrations of key elements. Other minerals such as amphibole muscovite and quartz are also present.