Frontier Mines Owner Association (FMOA) on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction over the policies of both federal and provincial governments of NWFP and criticised the governments not to evolve so far a clear vision for the promotion of public-private partnership in the development of the potential mineral sector.
In this connection, a meeting of the executive committee of association was held with president, FMOA Syed Abdullah in the chair. The meeting reviewed the minerals related policies of the government with special note that despite the crucial role in economic development investment in the sector is nominal. The meeting said that neither public nor private sector has initiated any major investment in the mineral rich rural areas.
They said that in some areas, private sector has done huge investment and urged the government to pay special attention to mineral development. They stressed on preparing short and long terms strategies in this regard.
The association charged the government of running the matters of the sector on adhocism that is badly affecting the already on fleeing investment in the sector. It expressed the fear that the mines committee meeting convened for just receiving the applications of a particular group of people had threatened the prevailing investment and only vested interest would remain in the sector.
For informing the government regarding their reservations and framing of future line of action, the executive committee of the association constituted a committee to hold meetings with the minister and officials concerned and discuss the development of the sector with them.
The committee would be comprised of Syed Abdullah, Shahid-ur-Rehman, Haji Wazir Mohammad, Fazal Rabbi, Amir Rehman and Dilroz Khan. The meeting also noted that the purpose and objective behind the establishment of the Directorate of Mines and Minerals (DGMM) was to facilitate and develop the sector in the province. However, they said it had badly failed in the achievements of its desired goals.
The association said that in the prevailing situation only Smeda (Small & Medium Enterprise Development Authority) is playing its active role in the facilitation and promotion of investment in the mineral sector.
Smeda in collaboration with private sector, they said, had initiated a number of projects included Chromite beneficiation and marketing of gypsum. It further appreciated the reforms like exploration of square blocks and weighing machinery. The committee decided for holding a province-wide mine owners convention to seek the viewpoint of all stakeholders and framing of a better and joint strategy in this regard.
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