Need stressed to realise importance of mining sector

Mining sector in Pakistan needs serious attention of policymakers to make Pakistan more prosperous and self-reliant, said sources close to mining industry.
They say that although Pakistan is a resource-rich mineral country where more than fifty metallic, non-metallic and industrial minerals are abundantly available, yet its mining and quarrying sector is slow to grow up to its potential.
Over a period of sixty years of independence, this vital sector of Pakistan has no sign of any substantial engine of growth for the national economy. In almost six decades, this sector has grown by little over 9.5 percent only. As such, its meagre share of just 0.5 percent in the GDP does not fully reflect the actual potential of the sector.
There are several fundamental factors for the mining sector retarded growth. These factors include deplorable lack of infrastructure, lawlessness, resource constraints, non-availability of hi-tech and risk capital, vulnerability to outlaws feudal tribal chiefs, bureaucracy's tricks and pressure on the mining settlements.
Now the present government seems to have come out with a well conceived strategy for metallic, non-metallic and industrial minerals development on most modern lines under a plan to grow up to their potential. The plan provides for Pakistan Stone Development Company with the collaboration of the private sector. The public-private Sector Company has taken steps for economic exploitation and correct utilisation of minerals with easy access to national and international markets for better returns to the investors.
Under National Mineral Policy, the Federal and Provincial Government have ensured investments and incentives. These governments jointly taken steps to provide basic infrastructure like water, power, gas, better means of transport, truckers and trains, safety measures for the investors, mining manpower, machinery and materials in the mineral rich areas of the country. Under the plan, investments have been ensured and encouraged on 5-point broad-based grounds. Investment in small-scale mining involving less than Rs 300 million is confined to Pakistani nationals.
Corporate merger of small-scale mine operators is encouraged. Pakistan Geo-Data Center has come up as an autonomous body to collect, store, update and manage entire countries geo-data. The Federal and Provincial governments have been geared up to provide grants for the respective corporations and companies to promote task on priority minerals and priority areas. To attract more investments in the mining sector, mining concession rules have been provided for four types of mineral titles: reconnaissance license, exploration license, mineral deposit retention license and mining lease.