Mining Killa Abdullah
Introduction
District Killa Abdullah is very poor in mineral resources. Only antimony has been explored. The production started in 1985-86. The total production for that year was 19 tonnes. Time series of data are not available for the product. However, there has been a decline in the production since 1992-93 from 5 tonnes to zero in 1994-95. Only male labour was involved in the mining sector. There is no evidence available to indicate the participation of women, paid or unpaid.
Mineral Resources
According to a report published by the Geological Survey of Pakistan in 1996, there are no potential resources or areas under investigation in district Killa Abdullah.
Mines and Production, Processing & Marketing
Theoretically, the license structure for mining takes two forms. Firstly, a prospecting license is given for one year, renewable for a further two years. If a mineral is found then the Directorate of Mineral Development converts the prospecting license into a mining lease. The period of the lease ranges from 10-30 years for various minerals. The one who gets the prospecting license, either himself or through an agent explores and exploits the mineral. Otherwise for exploitation he can sublet the lease.
Department of Industries/Mineral Development
The Directorate of Mineral Development looks after the activities of the mining industry of Balochistan. Its main functions and responsibilities include:
There are 4 types of fees/taxes collected from the mineral sector. When a prospecting license is awarded to any party, annual fees are charged up front on a per hectare/per annum basis. The minimum fee is Rs.1000/-. When a prospecting license is converted into a mining lease, a dead rent on a 6 months basis is charged. When actual production begins then royalties are charged. This is different for various minerals. Some times a demarcation fee is also charged.
There are 11 mineral development check posts in the province. There is also mobile squad to check the irregularities.
GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Mining
At present, the provincial government and private enterprise provide mining and transportation facilities. Local & federal government and NGOs do not play any role in the provision of mining services. The international donors are providing some assistance at provincial level, however, their role in the district is nil.
It should be noted however, that as was stated above, there is at present no mining activity in the district.
|
Coverage Mining Services |
Local Govt. |
Prov. Govt. |
Fed. Govt. |
NGO |
InternatDonor |
Private Entr. |
|
Mining |
- |
Xx |
- |
- |
- |
xxx |
|
Processing |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Transportation |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
xxx |
Legend: - no involvement
x minor involvement
xx substantial involvement
xxx major involvement
Conclusion and major Development Issues
District Killa Abdullah is unfortunate as far as mineral resources are concerned and recent studies show that there is no potential for mineral development in the district.