The astonishing headlines and front-page stories about the discovery of multiple iron-copper-gold deposits near Chiniot in the Punjab province left several questions unreciprocated despite dramatic elucidations at the brow of the mass-media. In fact, metals such as copper and iron are chemically exceedingly reactive in nature and usually found in association with other metals. By and large, the concentrations of all contained metals are not economically viable to mine. In this fashion, these associations might not be valuable; rather they might be dramatically increasing extraction cost of the principal mineral commodity.

Detailed economic feasibility and project operability studies are integral to mineral deposits’ evaluation and decision-making. Such investigations demand truly sophisticated technology as well as huge financial allocations. The quantitative and qualitative aspects of the mineral deposits are to be sorted out in scientific perspective. What is needed in Pakistan is not the fire fighting attitude of handling mineral deposits case by case; rather it requires tackling country’s mineral resources holistically.

It is estimated that Pakistan has around 5000 operational mines of different sizes, employing nearly 300,000 workers. The abundantly found metallic minerals in Pakistan include copper, gold, bauxite, lead, zinc, iron and chromite. In addition, large reported reserves of non-metallic minerals comprising salt, gypsum, clays, barite, phosphate, dolomite and limestone. Of the 92 known minerals in the country, 58 are commercially exploited. If we peep into Pakistan’s overall approach towards managing its mineral resources, following paradigms give a quick insight into its nuts and bolts.

First, Pakistan has world’s 5th largest reserves of coal in Thar, estimated up to 184 billion tons, but only 4.5 to 5.0 million tons are exploited annually. Share of the coal in the energy mix has declined from 35% in 1958 to 10% in 2014. Despite Pakistan is facing stern electricity shortfall, the contribution of coal in electricity production is less than 1% of the total. Second, Pakistan holds the world’s largest salt deposit and the second largest salt mine i.e. historic salt mine of Khewra. Salt is a simple commodity and does not need any processing – just mining and straight-off conveying to the market. However, Pakistan is ranked at 20th place in the list of salt producing countries with only 0.88% of the world’s salt production. These circumstances put a big question mark on our approach towards managing and utilizing our resources.

Currently, mining sector contributes less than one percent of the GDP of Pakistan. It is very infinitesimal contribution given to the total GDP despite having an immense quantity of mineral resources in the country’s earth crust. “The mineral contribution to the total GDP can be increased to 10% – 20% in the next ten years which would be influential for the socio-economic development in Pakistan”, say Economists. Mineral production can play a vital role in shaping national economy. “The greatest benefit mining affords to the low and middle income economies is not government revenue, but rather the contribution to foreign direct investment”, experts say. It is evident from the fact that world mineral production from 2002 to 2010 has increased up to 4 times. Mineral sector in Pakistan has huge potential to attract foreign direct investments (FDI), generate employment and expand production of mineral based industries which in turn could amplify Pakistan’s export potential. Mining has an increasingly significant role to play in coming decades in Pakistan as production and income generation are critical forces in poverty reduction.

The value of natural resources is exposed by appropriate exploration and evaluation procedures and practices. Unfortunately, the exploration and mining processes in Pakistan are archaic and sluggish. There is lack of information regarding mining locations, geographic distribution of mineral deposits, environmental concerns, and total area of mining leases that are active and dormant. The periodic monitoring of mining issues, economic size of mining units, and balance between demand and supply are also non-existent and mining techniques are obsolete. Pakistan needs to concentrate on developing a holistic mineral policy targeting restructuring the sector from gross root level. Following suggested strides might be food for thought to achieve such a landmark:

• First step is to evaluate and quantify Pakistan’s existing mineral resources on scientific basis according to globally recognized criteria. For categorization of mineral deposits, several internationally accepted resource definitions are in practice such as JORC Code (Australia) and CIM (Canada). Such initiatives would play a cutting edge role in attracting foreign investments in mining sector as reports on mineral resources, validated according to JORC Code, are widely accepted and well-treated by the international investors. Mineral development departments and Geological Survey of Pakistan could play a pivotal role in translating mineral deposits to tonnage and eventually dollars.

• Attracting huge foreign investments in mining sector rigorously demanding mapping each and every inch of the country for exploring its hidden wealth from all possible perspectives. Mapping and mining related researches can lay down the foundation for future discoveries. Such databanks would be the first-rate source of information for identifying the nitty-gritty of mining business challenges and quantifying financial risks. Escalating research capabilities for long-term future of the mineral industry in Pakistan is a crucial step.

• Identifying our mineral consumers and buyers particularly among neighboring countries and strategic partners can help in developing mineral market. An effectual way is to promote “two-way-trade” of mineral commodities by entering into indentures of mineral exchange trade by selling them what they need and buying from them what we require. However, it needs a comprehensive study of the regional market coupled with strategic foreign relations. The government departments need to be proficient in accomplishing such a milestone.

• Developing national mineral production strategies based on local consumption and world market trends. Increasing the contribution of mining sector to Pakistan’s economy through more private investment is fundamental in drawing strong relationship between resource utilization and economy. The policies must be in line with the mineral sector development strategy by encouraging small scale mining and local private participation.

• Facilitating mining sector by providing technology upgrade and business improvement programs, completing infrastructure (water and electricity) and road network into Pakistan’s mining belts, consolidating and augmenting the geological data centers, encouraging joint ventures between local and foreign partners and establishing mining support cells to develop mineral products.

• Emphasizing mining related environmental issues, fostering mechanized mining methods for maximizing mineral extraction efficiency, educating and training mining workers and intensifying and equipping the mining law enforcement agencies.

Succinctly, Pakistan needs to haul up its mineral and mining sector from gross root level by incorporating up-to-the-minute exploration and mining techniques, business-friendly legal policies and capacity building. Minerals and natural resources development corporations must be at the frontline for boosting Pakistan’s mineral production.