PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Saturday underlined the need to introduce mechanical mining mechanisms based on the latest technology.
“We are not getting significant results from our precious mineral resources due to old mining mechanisms,” he told a meeting of the Mineral Investment Authority.
The meeting discussed and reviewed the revenue targets so far achieved through mineral resources, existing lease mechanism, the current ratio of mineral royalty and other important matters.
The meeting also deliberated upon various proposals aimed at aligning the existing legal framework with the contemporary needs and requirements, and made important decisions to this effect.
Besides, illegal mining also poses serious threats to the environment, the chief minister said and directed the authorities concerned to put the leasing method on modern lines.
He said that the current leasing procedure caused mass scale destruction of valuable mineral resources, which is unfair to the province. “We can significantly increase the revenue stream of the province by utilizing available mineral resources in an efficient and judicious manner,” he added.
The chief minister maintained that the government would impose a complete ban on mining by declaring the mineral resources provincial heritage if the existing lease and mining system was not changed. He directed the quarters concerned to propose necessary amendments in the legal framework related to mining and take strict action against the elements found involved in illegal mining activities. The machineries being used in illegal mining should be seized on the spot and FIRs be logged against the owners, he said. “The mineral resources of the province are assets of our upcoming generations as well. It is our responsibility to protect and ensure judicious use of these resources. We cannot afford any more negligence to this effect,” he added.
The chief minister also directed to introduce a modern mechanism for the effective monitoring of mineral auctions and other related affairs.