ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Friday approved a project to set up a gemstone development centre in the NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar.

The project aims at development of expertise in precious and semi-precious stones development and training of manpower for the industry. Basically, it is a teaching programme with focus on development of expertise in the field of gemstones. The centre will offer six-month courses with teaching programme in basic geology, mine engineering along with practical training in gemmology, gem cutting and polishing according to international standards.

The centre will provide information database on the latest international trends and demands with quality specification for buyers and investors. It will also test, characterise and evaluate samples on demand of the interested parties, pertaining to different localities.

The centre will help develop sophisticated laboratories of international standard for identification and appraisal of gemstones. It will also boost the lapidary facilities for imparting training in modern cutting, shaping and polishing of gems. The project entails training of 40 students in gemmology and 20 students in gemstone cutting and polishing every six months.

The centre will help improve production of better quality gemstone products, competitive in international market, thereby increase export of gem products. At present industry of precious stone mining is using rudimentary, antiquated and unscientific mining methods which damage gems and destroy its deposits.— APP