PESHAWAR, Sept 1: NWFP Governor Khalilur Rehman has stressed the need for conflict resolution in the areas having mineral resources in Fata and directed the authorities to stop illegal mining, particularly in the Orakzai Coal Project area.

He was speaking during a presentation on joint venture projects of the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and Governor’s Secretariat FATA held at the Governor’s House on Thursday.

He said that the concerned tribal elders should be taken into confidence to resolve the proprietary disputes among tribes.

The governor said that other problems, causing delay in the smooth implementation of the projects, should also be resolved.

He said that the mineral sector in Fata had enormous potential and the government had chalked out a comprehensive strategy to ensure best and optimum utilization of natural resources there.

Mineral exploration, he added, was a turning point because it would change socio-economic structure of the tribal areas, bringing a pleasant change in the lifestyle of the people of the backward area.

However, he said, some social and tribal issues must surface during the process and they had to be amicably resolved.

During the presentation, it was said that two MoUs had been signed between the PMDC and the Governor’s Secretariat Fata in August 2003 for the joint venture projects, including Kurram Soapstone Project and Orakzai Coal Mining Project.

Under the Kurram project, costing Rs6.071 million, commercial mining has commenced from May, 800 tons of soapstone produced and 30 tons sold against the target of 3,000 tons.

The low production and sale is mainly due to the local disputes.

Regarding development activities in the area, it was reported that a 16km road was under construction at the cost of Rs20 million and likely to be completed by December this year. Another 14km road was being widened and improved.

Under the Orakzai project costing Rs9.674 million, an agreement has been signed with the people of Shamir Kille whereas negotiations with the tribesmen of Korez are in process.

Under this, project 5,000 acres of land has been reserved for the PMDC.

The presentation was attended by Managing Director PMDC Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, principal secretary to the governor, Brig (Retd) Asad Munir, and others.