Officials say that a strategy to develop marble and granite sector will be finalized by the end of March, targeting an investment of Rs2 billion and export earnings of $500 million. The government's focus is shifting to the development an export-oriented marble industry.

Huge reserves of marble are present in NWFP and Balochistan. The country is currently mining 40 types of natural colour marble and also dying the marble in various colours.

The processing of marble is done in 1,500 units. Though operated manually, the utilization of machines has been started to produce qualitative products and increase outputs.

There is a high demand for marble in the Middle East, Far East and European countries, where almost 50 per cent of the world's marble output is consumed. The country earned $15.8 million foreign exchange during FY 2001-02.

The 40 per cent export of the marble was in the shape of handicraft while, the rest of 60 per cent in slabs and bricks form. Pakistan exports marble to USA, Dubai, Korea and Bangladesh while the European countries can also be considered as potential markets.

Commercial marble reserves are located at Lasbela, Khuzdar and Chaghi. Commercial marble is defined as "any crystalline rock capable of taking a polish and suitable for decorative and structural purposes".

Marble in Chaghi district is of onyx variety and is being mined since 1950's. The term 'onyx' signifies a banded variety of quartz, highly prized as an ornamental stone. .

The onyx is largely used for beads, brooches, pins, ring-stones and other small ornamental objects, while the larger pieces are occasionally wrought in the form of cups, howls, vases etc.

Onyx is the favourite stone for cameo work because its layers can be cut to show a colour contrast between the design and the background.. Onyx marble is used mainly for decorative items.

For its vast applications and uses, onyx marble has great demand in the international market. The onyx marble from Chaghi can meet the international standards, if it is processed efficiently. The efficiency of marble processing industry also depends on the quarry products.

The marble sector needs to be organized on modern lines. The induction of modern technology in marble sector will increase efficiency of processing units. Improving the standard of products can only increase the demand of Pakistani marble in international market.

The outdated and obsolete methods are still in practice for mining of marble in Balochistan. A lot of breakage occurs due to the outdated process of mining. The processing must be done on sophisticated machinery for quality production. Government should develop processing centres with automatic tiling plants in Balochistan.

Marble sector comprise a large number of mainly decentralized production units, which would mine a large variety of marble packs. A basic characteristic of these business units' structure must be the verticalisation of production (quarrying of marble, cutting and process as well as the production of end products). With modern production facilities, a diversified range of products can be produced.

Sanction should be given for mining leases to different private firms in Balochistan. Prospecting license may also be granted to the firms for ascertaining marble reserves in previously unexplored area.

Incentives should be given for making investment in the sector. The sector also needs be organized scientifically with a consistent follow-up by the ministry of industries and production to achieve the export target of $500 million.

Export of marble can fetch millions of dollars. What is needed is the tapping of the world markets and improving quality by value addition and bringing down the extraction losses.

Marble quality and demand in international market may be raised further using machines in polish work and marble cutting. Mechanization is needed. Development of the skills of the local quarry masters needs to be improved to raise the quality and productivity.

Steps should also be taken to increase the export of marble and its key products through better marketing techniques and facilities. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) can play a significant role in tapping the marble export potential.