Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government has planned various initiatives in the current fiscal to realize the maximum potential of the mines and minerals sector, reports WealthPK.

Balochistan is rich in mineral resources where all-out efforts are being made to expedite mining activities. The Petroleum Division has already set up a Minerals Cell while the federal government is working on revising the National Minerals Policy to stimulate foreign investment in the province. Among other measures being undertaken is potential amendments to the policy and rules to remove hurdles in the way of gold and copper mining and woo foreign investors, Hussain Jogezai, Joint Secretary of Mines & Mineral Department, told WealthPK. He said the provincial government understood and underlined critical legal, regulatory and institutional reforms to uplift the sector. He said Balochistan had not been able to fully tap its potential. However, there was realization that these resources should be tapped to bring a radical change in the lives of the people who fall behind the people of other provinces in terms of socio-economic development.

Balochistan has the largest reserves of copper and gold in the world, with estimated reserves of 412 million tons in Saindak and 5.87 billion tons in Reko Diq. There are estimated coal reserves of around 217 million tons at Duki, Harnai, Degrai, Mach, Ziarat, Chamalang and Quetta. As many as 273 million tons are reported in the iron reserves. The mining industry is threatened by a number of hazards and uncertainties of varying nature including Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), operations, regulations, politics, finance, and variations in the economy. Some of the common causes of mine accidents include dust and noise, blasting, explosions due to flammable gases, conveyor belt fires, inundation of mud and waste, and rock bursts, Dr. Fozia Zafar, sector expert said. She urged the provincial government and the Directorate of Mines and Minerals to ensure compliance with these measures through surprise checks and audits.

Moreover, the public and private enterprises can also be engaged to set up monitoring mechanisms, which can guard against the exploitation of impoverished mining workers and help implement all health inspection protocols. The government ought to work to provide an enabling environment for realizing the rich mineral potential of the province through improved governance and focused interventions, aimed at encouraging the private sector participation to foster development, economic growth and meaningful contribution towards the well-being of the people. “The Balochistan government collected a total of Rs190 million revenue from the mineral sector during the previous financial year. If the government pays proper attention to the mining sector, it can further enhance revenue collection and have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economy,” she said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk