Mining Sibi
Introduction
Coal is the only mineral extracted in the district. There are two coal mines, employing 729 workers. During 1990-95, the average annual coal extraction was 402,780 tones.
| Year | Coal Production (Tones) |
| 1990 – 91 1991 – 92 1992 – 93 1993 – 94 1994 – 95 |
421,189 453,513 420,143 391,071 327,988 |
Mineral Resources
No survey report of mineral resources of the district is available. Marble (black), oil and gas are believed to be present in the area.
Mines, Production, Processing, Marketing
The coal mines use antiquated equipment and processes. The age old methods of coal extraction, haulage from the mine, communication system using manually operated wires, etc; are still in use. There are frequent accidents and the number of casualties is high, as the old alarm and rescue systems are inefficient. The workers are poorly paid and not provided with proper housing, amenities, medical facilities, etc.
The entire coal production of the district is sold in Punjab province. It is transported to Punjab in about twenty trucks a day.
Department of Industries, Commerce and Mineral Development
The mining sector is administrated from Quetta. There is no office of the Department in Sibi.
GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc, involvement in Mining
Licences for coal mining are issued by the provincial government. Exploitation, processing and transportation of the coal are the mine operator's responsibility.
| Coverage Mining Services | Local Govt. | Prov. Govt. | Fed. Govt | NGO | Internat. Donor | Private Entr. |
| Mining | - | - | - | - | - | xxx |
| Processing | - | - | - | - | - | xxx |
| Transportation | - | - | - | - | - | xxx |
Legend: - no involvement
x minor involvement
xx substantial involvement
xxx major involvement
Conclusions and Major Development Issues
Mining industry is limited to only two coal mines. There could be prospects for more coal mines and exploitation of marble in the distant future.
The working conditions in the mining sector are poor. The mining methods are antiquated. The Department of Industries and Mineral Development needs to take appropriate action.