Development budget for mines and minerals unchanged

Rs277m proposed for seven new projects

PESHAWAR: The hilly terrains of the province are replete with marble, granite and other stones, inviting private sector investment. Yet the proposed development budget for the mines and minerals department for fiscal year 2015-16 is Rs626 million.

The development budget of 2014-15 was revised to Rs285.38 million, highlighting utilisation.

Of the proposed amount for the coming year, Rs349 million are meant for nine ongoing development projects whereas Rs277 million are proposed for seven new projects.

Welfare budget

On the other hand, allocation has also been proposed in the welfare and administrative budget for the department. An amount of Rs503.22 million has been proposed for mineral development and inspectorate of mines. This amount is more than the proposed and revised estimates made in 2014-15 – Rs481.86 million and Rs431.12 million respectively.



According to the white paper issued on Monday, contributions made by the minerals department added to the GDP. The department involves the private sector in exploring and developing mineral resources hidden in 70% of the mountainous area. Not only is there marble and granite but metal minerals are also concealed beneath the surface of the hills, said the document.

During his budget speech on Monday, Minister for Finance Muzaffar Said had said targets for the sector included the construction of district offices for mines and minerals in Chitral. He added access roads will also be built in areas rich with minerals so research and explorations can feasibly be carried out.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2015.