The results of chemical analysis conducted on preliminary outcrop samples taken near Gabarai, Bajaur Agency, in Fata, have confirmed anomalous values for copper, silver and gold in some samples that suggest a porphyry style of mineralisation for occurrence of these metals.
Talking to Business Recorder, General Manager, Minerals, Fata, Yaqoob Shah, said that five outcrop samples. taken from porphyritic granitoids and associated pyroclastic andesitic volcanic rocks had confirmed presence of copper, gold and silver.
The chemical analysis and tests of the outcrop were carried out at Mineral Testing Laboratories, Directorate General, Mines and Minerals, Govt of NWFP, and PCSIR Labs (Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Peshawar. The values range copper-0.94 percent to 7.5 percent; gold 0.2 to 1.45 gm/ton; and silver-4.67 to 81 gm/ton).
The Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, has also been provided these samples with a request to conduct additional laboratory research and according their recommendations to enable Fata DA for planning future field activities on the prospect.
The Fata Development Authority has also signed an agreement with the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG), University of Peshawar, for conducting source rock mapping and investigations for hydrocarbon potential in the tribal region.
The project, costing Rs 39.852 million with 3 years duration, would generate base-line geo-technical data on hydrocarbon potential in eastern parts of the southern tribal belt. The recent probes and discoveries, made in the belt, have proved that the area has great potential for occurrence of oil and gas.
However, due to lack of preliminary geological information on the subject, the area remained unattended for advanced stage exploration and exploitation of these resources. In this context, a contract signing ceremony was held in the NCEG on 4/7/2008 which, among others, was attended by the Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar and Chief Executive Fata DA.
An amount of Rs 16.481 million was initially released for implantation of the project. The analysis of further 39 samples of copper in Shinkai, North Waziristan Agency, has also confirmed presence of gold in 37 samples with values ranging from 1.57-0.12 grams per ton. This prospect was previously reported to contain no gold in it.
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