Balochistan sits atop substantial reserves of zinc ores which are the primary source for extraction of calamine — a pinkish-white mineral, generally composed of zinc oxide and a small amount of ferric oxide, Muhammad Yaqub Shah, former GM Geology at the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), told WealthPK. He said indigenous processing of calamine and local sale and export of products could generate a handome revenue for the cash-strapped state coffers besides generating a wealth of job opportunities.

Since minerals like calamine are subject to regulatory and environmental sustainability, adherence to the safety standards is also important, he said. Calamine is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for preparation of medicines, especially related to skin itching caused by sunburn, insect bites, infection, etc. It is an important ingredient in producing personal care items and cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, facial masks, and anti-skin irritating creams.

As a vital part of many industrial products, calamine derivatives are also important. When heated in the absence of oxygen, calamine generates zinc oxide that is ued as an ingredient in a multitude of commercial applications like surge arresters in high voltage equipment, circuit breakers, bushings, transformers, for protection from electricity shock, as raw material in manufacture of ceramics, as a pigment in paints, etc.

“To extract maximum export benefits, Pakistan must weave a strategic business policy covering a host of trade aspects, including fine processing, safe packing, proper marketing, qualitative production, required international environment certificates concerning its safe mining, competitive rates, proper market research, branding, target market, flexible trade tariffs, research and development, incentives to exporters, and insurance benefits,” he said.

“Collaboration with international investors and organizations will make it easier for Pakistan to tap into the international market. It will help harness the trade and business volume and the number of buyers will also increase globally,” he said. Yaqub suggested that Pakistan must focus on exploring new sustainable zinc ore deposits and establishing processing and value-addition units near the deposits, as it will help minimise the logistics cost and ultimately the production cost. Pakistan also needs to build the capacity of the people related to this industry at all levels.

“Risk management policies and training concerning the tactics to practically apply them are also important features to be introduced. In the long run, it will prove very helpful for the businessmen and traders related to this industry to cope with sudden fluctuations and price volatility,” he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)