The district of Kalat has only two main mineral deposits, marble and fluorite; quantities are however very small. In 1994-1995 the total production was only 1,284 tonnes. The mining sector has suffered a set back due to the unnecessary interference by the local Sardars and Maliks of the tribes of the area. Mining operations for fluorite had to be suspended many times because of disputes. The employment situation in this sector is given below.

Source: Balochistan Development Authority

At present fluorite is the major mineral of this area, while marble and limestone are also present in limited quantity. It is reported by the local people that barite, granite and magnesia are also found in the southern part of the district. The production of minerals can be boosted by developing the infrastructure in the mining areas. Further investigation is required for the development of mineral resources in the area.

In Kalat, mining activities are very limited. No proper marketing facility exists in the area. People themselves sell their minerals in the open market at Karachi directly and through the commission agent . The lease for mining is allotted by the Provincial Government and district administration. Generally miners collect the minerals with the help of trolleys, Pic-axes, hoes and use generator for pulling and loading. The processing of minerals is quite simple and is carried manually on the spot by local labour. The involvement of labour is very limited. Only 259 persons were working in this field in the year 1994.

Minerals	Production (Tonnes)
	1990-91	1991-92	1992-93	1993-94	1994-95
Marble	0	0	0	0	160
Fluorite	1,124	494	1,435	810	1,124
Total	1,124	494	1,435	810	1,284

All the mining activities are controlled and supervised by the Directorate of Mineral development (DMD) of above mentioned provincial Department and the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA). In Kalat no local branches exist. It has been observed that DMD is not involved in mining. It provides only technical guidance and leases to the interested parties. There is a lack of co-ordination between miners and the government department. Contribution of the mining sector to the district economy is very small. About 200 miners are working in the mining industry; using manual methods of mining.

Only the private sector is involved in mining. The government provides only leases and technical guidance in mining.

In Kalat district, only marble and fluorite are explored materials, while barite, manganese and granite are also known to be present. The mineral sector in Kalat district could not flourish in recent years. The main reason for this is the prevailing insecure condition for the technical personnel such as geologists and mining engineers who want to work in the area for finding economic mineral deposits. The local tribes, due to various reasons do not allow the experts to move through the area freely. For the rectification of the situation the local chiefs should be persuaded to co-operate with the government and other agencies in carrying out prospecting and exploration work for mineral in their area.

Back to Kalat