Work to be done: Mineral act to be presented soon in assembly, says Tahirkheli

Says formal discussion with relevant stakeholders will be held before endorsing the law

PESHAWAR: Minister for Mines and Mineral Development Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli has said the provincial government will soon present the mineral act after consulting relevant stakeholders.

“We are not going to pass any law in haste; a formal discussion should be held on the proposed draft of the mineral act before it is endorsed by the K-P Assembly,” said Tahirkheli at the oath-taking ceremony of Frontier Mine Owners Association members at Peshawar Press Club on Thursday. She added the law for mines and mineral development would prove to be beneficial for the development of the sector in K-P.

She promised association members the government would take all possible steps to solve their problems and added mine owners are expected to extend their support towards the progress of the mines sector in the province.

However, the minister acknowledged the fact the sector lacked the required workforce, whereas primitive mining methods were being used to excavate and explore reserves. Tahirkheli warned the government will not allow illegal mining in the province. “We will take stern action, as per law, against people involved in illegal practice.”

She added steps would be taken to expand the labour force from 100,000 to 150,000 labourers. Foreign investors are keen to invest in the mines and mineral sector, she said; a representative of a Chinese company participated in the event and was assured the government will fully facilitate foreign and local investors.

On the occasion, it was demanded a joint committee of the government and mine association members be formed to discuss the revision of the mines policy. “Unfortunately, the government made a mines policy without consulting [association members],” said FMOA K-P President Shirbandi Khan.

However, Shirbandi said the mines revenue would increase from Rs74 million to Rs3 billion annually if the government takes on their 10-point suggestion regarding the rights and authorities of association members. Mine owners on the occasion said the sector should be included in the industrial policy of 2016.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2016.