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KARACHI: Mineral experts and officials of the Atomic Energy Commission of Pakistan highlighted the current status and future potential of mineral resources available in the country and discussed multiple factors behind underutilisation of mineral wealth.
Speaking at a symposium titled ‘Our Mineral Resources — The Most Neglected Sector’, which was held under the auspices of Pakistan Academy of Engineering (PAE) on Saturday, the experts said the mineral sector was a neglected area in Pakistan that despite having natural edge over many countries was losing ground in exploiting of resources and improving exports.
In his welcome address, PAE President Jameel A. Khan emphasised that in order to develop mining strategies, one would have to keep a track of global material flows and demand and supply forecasting.
“Exploitation of mineral deposits will have assured export potential, thus reducing the current trade deficit,” he stated. He highlighted the need for creating environment conducive by the federal and provincial governments for investment in the mining sector.
PAEC member Tariq Mahmud described lack of skilled manpower and lack of modern mining and processing (value addition) techniques as major reasons for underutilisation of mineral wealth of Pakistan.
Azhar Khan, former director general of minerals in the energy ministry, said the legislative and executive authority of minerals rested with the provinces, including regulation of mineral sector, mineral exploration and development and safety of exploration and mining operations.
Dr Fuzail Siddiqui, consulting geoscientist and chief executive officer of SIDMIN Consulting International, elaborated on various technologies used for mineral exploration and extraction.
In his presentation, Dr Khan Gul Jadoon, professor of Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, described major occupational health and safety problems in small-scale mining. He called for creating a safety culture.
PAEC DG Mujeebur Rehman gave a presentation on prospects of radioactive minerals in Pakistan.
The symposium, which was a well attended affair, concluded after a question and answers session.
Published in Dawn, October 29th , 2018
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