KARACHI: In a bid to enhance revenue generation and prevent illegal mining activities, the Sindh department of mines and minerals has decided to conduct a baseline survey of mining sites in the province.

The decision was made at a meeting chaired by the Sindh minister of mines and minerals development and education department, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, held at the Director General’s Office in Karachi on Wednesday.

The meeting was aimed at identifying new mining sites, establish separate courts to address mining-related cases and improve the monitoring system of mining sites.

The minister emphasised the importance of exploring new sites, grading minerals and establishing a museum and laboratory in the Director General’s office.

Currently, 27 types of minerals are being mined in Sindh, generating significant revenue. In FY 2023-22, Rs1702.89 million was collected while Rs 1804.43 million was collected in FY 2023-24.

The minister stressed the need to increase financial resources and ensure public safety and health standards in the mining areas.

The department is working to attract investors by creating market utility for minerals, collaborating with factories, universities and research institutes.

It was decided that only registered mining associations would be contacted to ensure legal consultations. The establishment of separate courts would expedite mining-related cases and prevent delays.

It was informed that the baseline survey and grading of minerals would help generate market utility, making Sindh’s minerals more attractive to investors.

The minister also instructed the decoration of the Director General’s office, emphasising the importance of presentation. Secre-tary Mines and Minerals Develop-ment Tahir Hussain Sangi, Director General Zulfikar Khokh and other officials also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2024