The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Department has sought investment for ascertaining the economic value of nine metallic blocks identified in Chitral district during exploration, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Mineral Department Director Planning and Development Syed Bilal Khisro told the news agency that nine potential metallic blocks have been identified in Chitral during exploration, which require huge investment to ascertain the economic value, besides identifying the geo-chemistry of different types of mines and mineral in the blocks.
He said that Rs 150 million were allocated for identification of the economic values of these blocks, adding that preference would be given to public sector departments with vast experience in investigation and exploration of mineral resources.
Khisro said that exploration for minerals continued in Chitral for a long time, “Finally, we succeeded in identifying nine blocks in the mountainous northern district of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.”
He said that private parties with experience in exploration and identification of mines would also be welcome, adding that applications from interested parties and firms would be invited soon for investment in the said project.
“We are going to establish a state-of-the-art Metallic Institute (MI) for promotion of mines and minerals sector in Khyber Pakthunkhwa,” he said, adding that Rs 100 million had been allocated in Annual Development Programme (ADP) by the KP Government while Rs 400 million would be contributed by the World Bank.
Likewise, he said, Gems and Gemological Institute (GGIP), KP would be established to impart training to people and inspire an interest in youth to adopt careers in gems and minerals sectors in the province.
He said that Rs 100 million had been allocated in ADP by the KP government while Rs 200 million would be provided by the World Bank for GGIP.
Kisro said that draft of the new Mineral Act had been prepared and would be tabled in the KP assembly soon. In the new Act, he said, the focus was on curbing illegal mining and attracting foreign direct investment in mines and minerals sector of the province.
To a question about inhaling of dust during cutting of marbles in local industries, the official said that the government would adopt zero tolerance against industries that did not adopt safety measures under the Mines and Safety Regulations Act.
He said that the government was working on safe explosive techniques to avoid wastage of marble during exploration.
He said that work on state-of-the-art Coal Mine at Shakot Nowshera was underway with an estimated cost of Rs 197 million, adding that construction had also started of a mining training centre at Jalozai for training and education of young miners.
