‘Sindh’s 56 mineral resource zones not being exploited to the maximum’
Experts highlight disregard to environmental laws, losses of kaolin during extraction
Conservation of Sindh's mineral resource zones urged. PHOTO: FILE
HYDERABAD:
A host of irritants and the use of outdated technology have been impeding optimal exploitation of mineral resources in Sindh, experts who spoke at a seminar in Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) concurred.
Sindh urban development projects reviewed
The seminar, 'Utilisation of mineral resources for sustainable economic development and environment', was organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and the Manchester University on Thursday in Jamshoro.
Mineral Resources Minister Mir Shabbir Bijarani shared with the participants that 56 zones of mineral resources exist in Sindh. "But, in the absence of high-tech machinery, the province couldn't exploit the resources to the maximum level," he acknowledged. He said thorough reforms, in the current methods of harnessing the minerals, are required to uplift this industry.
The minister justified the delay on part of the provincial government in instituting the reforms, citing the recent handover of the formerly federal subject to the province after the 18th constitutional amendment.
Mines and Mineral Resources Additional Secretary Shamsuddin Soomro said the government ought to create awareness among the people regarding the laws regulating mines and minerals. He acknowledged that the laws regulating the mineral extraction from gravel to precious stones and their sale existed but their application lacked, tacitly suggesting that the resources are being unlawfully extracted.
Govt cannot afford to waste resources: CM Kamal
Earlier this year, the Sindh mines and mineral resources department floated an expression of interest to hire consultant services for environmental mapping of the mining areas in Sindh for conservation of mineral and natural resources.
The tasks included making a policy framework, draft for legislation, feasibility for development of mineral resources, a geological survey, maintaining database of mines and minerals, revisiting licensing and leasing processes and social and environmental regulations, among others.
Prof Dr Jameel Ahmed Kazmi of the Karachi University's geography department, in his presentation, pointed out the adverse effects of extraction of mineral resources over proximate areas because of disregard to environmental laws. "Unfortunately, the environment and the local people are made victims in the name of development through mineral resources."
Prof Dr Suhail Ahmed Soomro of MUET's chemical engineering department, in his presentation, dwelt upon the losses in extraction of kaolin [China clay] from the mines in Tharparkar due to lack of technologically-advanced methods. The kaolin is used to make tiles, crockery, electric equipment, home appliances and oral medicines, among other things.
According to him, kaolin was neither extracted nor cleaned scientifically, adding that the contractors do not employ engineers, scientists and scientific machinery to reduce the cost but they end up selling kaolin cheaply in the market.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2018.
A host of irritants and the use of outdated technology have been impeding optimal exploitation of mineral resources in Sindh, experts who spoke at a seminar in Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) concurred.
Sindh urban development projects reviewed
The seminar, 'Utilisation of mineral resources for sustainable economic development and environment', was organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and the Manchester University on Thursday in Jamshoro.
Mineral Resources Minister Mir Shabbir Bijarani shared with the participants that 56 zones of mineral resources exist in Sindh. "But, in the absence of high-tech machinery, the province couldn't exploit the resources to the maximum level," he acknowledged. He said thorough reforms, in the current methods of harnessing the minerals, are required to uplift this industry.
The minister justified the delay on part of the provincial government in instituting the reforms, citing the recent handover of the formerly federal subject to the province after the 18th constitutional amendment.
Mines and Mineral Resources Additional Secretary Shamsuddin Soomro said the government ought to create awareness among the people regarding the laws regulating mines and minerals. He acknowledged that the laws regulating the mineral extraction from gravel to precious stones and their sale existed but their application lacked, tacitly suggesting that the resources are being unlawfully extracted.
Govt cannot afford to waste resources: CM Kamal
Earlier this year, the Sindh mines and mineral resources department floated an expression of interest to hire consultant services for environmental mapping of the mining areas in Sindh for conservation of mineral and natural resources.
The tasks included making a policy framework, draft for legislation, feasibility for development of mineral resources, a geological survey, maintaining database of mines and minerals, revisiting licensing and leasing processes and social and environmental regulations, among others.
Prof Dr Jameel Ahmed Kazmi of the Karachi University's geography department, in his presentation, pointed out the adverse effects of extraction of mineral resources over proximate areas because of disregard to environmental laws. "Unfortunately, the environment and the local people are made victims in the name of development through mineral resources."
Prof Dr Suhail Ahmed Soomro of MUET's chemical engineering department, in his presentation, dwelt upon the losses in extraction of kaolin [China clay] from the mines in Tharparkar due to lack of technologically-advanced methods. The kaolin is used to make tiles, crockery, electric equipment, home appliances and oral medicines, among other things.
According to him, kaolin was neither extracted nor cleaned scientifically, adding that the contractors do not employ engineers, scientists and scientific machinery to reduce the cost but they end up selling kaolin cheaply in the market.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2018.