Find Mining expertise in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei possesses a small mineral industry. The main minerals mined in Brunei include: carbonate rocks, coal, sand, gravel and silica sands. The limited extend of exploration in this mineral sector is almost certainly restricted by the protected rainforests. However it should be noted that the industry produces small volumes of cement, construction aggregate, and sand and gravel for consumption by the local construction industry. Almost all Brunei Darussalam’s requirements for ferrous and nonferrous metals and most industrial mineral products other than cement, construction aggregate, and sand and gravel are met by imports.

Coal mining near Muara began in 1837 under European guidance, but later was handed over to the Sarawak government and named Brooketon (Brooke Town) Colliery. At least 650,000 tons had been extracted, the majority of which was exported, during its run. It closed in 1924 due to global recession but reopened briefly during the Japanese occupation for domestic use.

It is estimated that the amount of coal extracted during the mine’s operation represents only about 10% of the country’s reserves. However, the areas are fairly inaccessible along the coastlines of Lumut and Muara.

Although oil and gas make up the majority of the country’s revenue, there are other resources available which are predominantly used for the construction of infrastructure within the country, such as limestone, gravel and clay used for brickmaking. Sand taken from the coastlines is also used for construction sites, but more often for use in landfills. Kaolin, a clay used in ceramics found in the Tungku area, and silica (white quartz) sands, used for glass-making found in the Tutong area, have also been found in massive deposits, with silica sands estimated at 20 million tons, have attracted foreign interest in recent years.