Project areas fall in places that have high potential for metallic, non-metallic minerals. PHOTO COURTESY: ECONOMIC TIMES
ISLAMABAD: The Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) will launch a Rs663-million 3D mineral survey in potential areas of Sindh and Balochistan to assess metallic mineral reserves of iron, copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, official sources said Tuesday.
“The project, scheduled to start on July 1, 2017, will complete in four years. The survey will be incorporated in the Public Sector Development Programme 2017-18 as it has already been approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources,” officials said.
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The survey would be carried out at two prospective sites including Moti Jo Wandio in district Tharparkar of Sindh and Mashki Chah in district Chaghai of Balochistan to evaluate potential economic mineral resources, they added.
The project areas fall in the Pre-Cambrian Shield Rock and Chaghi Magmatic Arc, which have high potential of metallic and non-metallic minerals.
The sources informed that the GSP has demanded Rs271.684 million as fund allocation for the next fiscal year to initiate an extensive 3D mineral exploration programme.
They GSP will carry out necessary investigations consisting of geological and geophysical prospects such as chemical analysis and drilling at selected sites.
Answering a question, officials said the project would help develop a reliable data base, which would be utilised for geological/geophysical interpretation and techno-economic aspects in both the areas.
The sources said mining activities would start resulting in utilisation of hidden natural resources.
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Additionally, publication of 3D model maps and reports on the mineral potential of the region would attract foreign direct investment in the mineral sector, boosting its share in overall gross domestic product of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2017.
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