Mining Khuzdar
Introduction
The district has many minerals such as barite, chromite, granite, marble and building stone. Manganese and limestone have recently been explored. There is much potential for mineral production. Presently chromite, barite and marble are mined.
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|
Production (tonnes) |
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|
Year |
Barite |
Chromite |
Building Stone |
Manganese |
Limestone |
Marble |
|
|
1985-86 |
29,494 |
8,941 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1986-87 |
16,725 |
6,429 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1987-88 |
6,210 |
6,200 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1988-89 |
22,888 |
7,747 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1989-90 |
18,937 |
27,626 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1990-91 |
22,384 |
39,246 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
827 |
|
|
1991-92 |
28,754 |
9,927 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
165 |
|
|
1992-93 |
24,168 |
4,885 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
104 |
|
|
1993-94 |
17,219 |
1,746 |
4,035 |
0 |
0 |
604 |
|
|
1994-95 |
18,049 |
1,167 |
4,683 |
160 |
2,415 |
1,789 |
|
|
Source: |
Inspectorate of Mines, GoB, Quetta |
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The production of minerals, except chromite, has increased over the last 10 year. The production of chromite has decreased, because the mining expenses are higher than the market price of chromite.
Mineral Resources
Mining leases have been issued for barite, chromite and marble. The district has much potential for mining of limestone and fine quality of building stone. Mineral production may be boosted by developing infrastructure in the mining area and involvement of the local people.
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Prospecting Licences |
Mining Leases |
Total Estimated |
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|
Minerals |
No. |
Ave. Prod. (tonnes) |
No. |
Ave. Prod. (tonnes) |
Deposits (tonnes) |
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|
Barite |
1 |
500.0 |
1 |
316.0 |
22.9 |
||
|
Building Stone |
7 |
486.5 |
0 |
0.0 |
n.e. |
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|
Chromite |
28 |
31,463.8 |
4 |
4,058.0 |
n.e. |
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|
Granite |
11 |
2,448.5 |
0 |
0.0 |
n.e. |
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|
Limestone |
1 |
50.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
Very large |
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|
Manganese |
2 |
1,412.2 |
0 |
0.0 |
n.e. |
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|
Marble |
24 |
10,141.8 |
1 |
499.7 |
n.e. |
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|
Total |
74 |
46,502.8 |
6 |
4,873.7 |
- |
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Source: |
Inspectorate of Mines, GoB, Quetta |
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|
Legend: |
n.e. |
Not Estimated |
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Mines and Production, Processing & Marketing
Presently, indigenous technology is used for mining, such as trolley, pick-axe, hoe and spade. However, some lease owners use modern methods for mining. The use of generators for pulling and loading the heavy minerals is also common. Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) and the Directorate of Minerals provide technical know-how. Mining is regulated under the mines regulations (Act of 1923 and 1926). All products are directly transported to Karachi and Punjab markets, sometimes through brokers. Demand for minerals is high on the Karachi market.
Directorate of Mineral Development
The Directorate of Mineral Development at Khuzdar provides technical know-how to the miners. The Geological Survey of Pakistan provides guidance in exploring minerals. However, the role of these organisations is limited.
GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Mining
Government involvement in mining sector is limited to leasing and inspection of mines. The government also assists in exploration and research activities. Mining itself, processing and transportation is in the hands of the private sector.
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|
Local Govt. |
Prov. Govt. |
Fed. Govt. |
NGO |
Internat. Donor |
Private Entr. |
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|
Mining |
- |
x |
- |
- |
- |
Xx |
||
|
Processing |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Xx |
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|
Transportation |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Xx |
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|
Legend: |
- x xx |
No involvement Minor involvement Substantial involvement |
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Conclusion and major Development Issues
Khuzdar district has much potential for minerals. Due to lack of adequate infrastructure, communications, transportation and technical know-how, the sector has remained underdeveloped so far. Valuable minerals such as china borana, asbestos and some other minerals which are available in the area are still unexplored. Training in processing of minerals is a major demand of the miners. Leases are issued only to local people, but they do not take interest, while other persons who are interested cannot obtain leases.