PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed a ban on issuance of mineral leases till it finalises a new mining policy and introduces rudimentary reforms in the mining sector.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gadapur here on Saturday, according to a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

Mr Gandapur termed KP’s natural resources as assets of its residents and made clear that no individual would be allowed to use their resources for personal benefit.

The meeting was informed that the policy would ensure effective and prudent use of mineral resources for enhancing revenue of the province.

“KP is replete with precious mineral resources and the mineral sector has the potential to generate sufficient revenue for the public exchequer,” Mr Gandapur said.

“Conducive environment will be ensured for the intending investors. They will be encouraged to invest in the province by providing them all-out facilities under the ease-of-doing business policy of the provincial government,” Mr Gandapur said, adding the leaseholders, who did not accept the terms and conditions of the provincial government or were not ready to give the government its due share in revenue, would not be allowed to work in the province.

The chief minister directed the relevant officials to complete homework on the establishment of a government-owned mining company, introduce mechanical mining in KP and e-bidding system for the issuance of mineral leases. He also directed shifting the entire paperwork of the department to paperless system.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2024