Coal mining and stone crushing are important mining activities within the district. Actual employment data are not known, but both mines and stone crushers are there of various sizes.

There are 75-80 number of stone crushers in the Dhadar and Mach sub-divisions, employing many people. The crushers are private property, except for one which is run by the National Logistics Cell (NLC).

Coal-industry in Bolan district constitutes a considerable share of the overall coal production in Balochistan. There are a total of 40 coal mines, all located in Mach sub-division. Their length varies from 300 to 600 metres.

Source: Directorate of Minerals, Quetta.

Chromite is an unexplored sector. It is largely found in Sanni-Suran area, but the Rind Sardars, nor the government show much interest to explore the mineral.

A miner is paid per bag weighing 100 kilograms. The miners undergo great risks doing their jobs. The majority of mines are reached through narrow tunnels, supported by wooden pillars, which many a time have collapsed and suffocated labourers inside. Poor standards are adopted for the ratio of oxygen, which is not to be less than 17% to 21%. The coal mines in Mach area are not very deep, though some of them are now digging at a depth of over 300 metres.

Despite the production figures of the Directorate of Mineral Development above, the actual production figures of the coal mines are not available. The above mentioned figures are the registered production figures, but it is clear from local resources, that much of the exploited coal is not registered and marketed outside the official channels.

All mines come under the management of the PMDC (Pakistan Mining Development Corporation) and Directorate of Mineral Development in Quetta. Legislation for coal mines is provided for in the Mines Regulations Act of 1926 and the Mines Act of 1923.

Legend : - no involvement

x minor involvement

xx substantial involvement

xxx major involvement

*According to the Chief Inspectorate of Mines, Balochistan, the ILO has been providing vehicles and training programs for engineers/rescue teams.

The Bolan area is rich in two mineral commodities: coal and chromate. Coal is mined in the area around Mach. Chromite is an unexplored sector, but it seems largely found in Sanni-Suran area. Little interest is shown by the government to explore the mineral officially.

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