Faiza Tehseen

Deosai region in Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan is rich in copper, lead and antimony, and their exploitation can not only help the country meet its industrial needs but also generate huge revenue, Muhammad Yaqub Shah, Principal Geologist at Islamabad-based Global Mining company, told WealthPK.

“Strategic exploration of Deosai mineral belt is crucial and it will strengthen the mining sector. Great amounts of precious foreign exchange are spent on import of antimony, copper, and lead. All these metals and their associated chemical elements, including gold and silver, are important to produce a variety of industrial items. Their indigenous extraction will support the local industry to a great extent”. He said Deosai region largely remained under-explored like many other mineral-rich zones. Despite extreme weather conditions, high-altitude terrains and logistical barriers, smart techniques can be used for fast-track exploration in the area. If the government effectively taps Deosai’s mineral potential, the regional and national development will boost.

Talking about Deosai volcanics, Muhammad Yaqub said, “Deosai volcanics are considered western extension of Daras volcanics mostly comprising basalts, rhyolites and andesites. About a decade ago, with the coordination of the Australian government, the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) held geo-chemical examination of the area during which different precious base minerals and metals were detected.” He said the known mineralization in the prospected areas comprised zinc, copper, and manganese in the form of pyrite, chalco pyrite, pyrolusite, malachite, and manganese dendrite. The said mineralization is reported to be kerbed mainly due to Deosai volcanics and volcanic intruded calcite bearing hydrothermal calcite with quartz veins. “The government should encourage the stakeholders to invest in exploration and mining in the region. It can also offer subsidized equipment, value addition units, infrastructure, power supply, logistics, value addition units and marketing channels,” he added.

Talking to WealthPK about systematic exploration and mining of copper-lead-antimony sulphide ore zone in Deosai, Chief Geologist of Balochistan based Koh-e-Daleel mining company (PVT) limited Abdul Bashir said, “By doing so, another portal of mineral-rich area will open in the country. Appropriate scientific exploration and mining will establish another source of sustainable income for the local communities and other stake holders.” He said the Northern Areas mineral potential was largely unexplored, needing the policy-makers’ focus. Systematic exploration and mining in these areas can help Pakistan overcome its financial crisis. The most important thing is that it will help in establishing new value chains and bringing prosperity to the region and country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk