Gandapur defends proposed amendments to Mines, Minerals Act

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday rejected as baseless propaganda the reports that proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act were meant for surrendering the provincial authority to another entity.

In a video statement, he dispelled the impression that provincial powers were being handed over through these amendments. “The powers of the province cannot and will not be surrendered,” he stated, adding that such claims were false, fabricated, and appeared to be driven by personal vendettas.

He emphasized that the proposed amendments were part of his government’s broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the minerals sector. “Vested interests are misrepresenting these reforms for their own benefit,” he said.

Gandapur said that his administration had already achieved significant progress through improved policies. “For the first time in 76 years, we successfully auctioned four placer gold mining sites through a transparent process, generating Rs 5 billion for the province,” he said, noting that previous governments had failed to curb illegal mining at these sites for decades.

He added that revenue generated from just these four sites exceeded the total annual earnings of the Minerals Department in previous years.

The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to financial self-sufficiency through continued reforms and stricter measures against illegal mining.

Under the proposed legal framework, equipment used in illegal mining operations will be confiscated, he said.

Gandapur stressed the importance of value addition in the mining sector. “Exporting raw minerals does not benefit our industries, generate jobs, or increase revenue,” he said.

To encourage local investment, the government plans to offer extended lease periods to investors who establish value addition facilities within the province. On the other hand, leaseholders who delay the start of mining operations will face reduced timelines to discourage speculative holding of mineral rights.

As part of the structural reforms, the chief minister announced that the authority for granting mining leases, previously held solely by the director general, will now be vested in a multi-member committee comprising officials from relevant departments, thereby ensuring greater transparency.

“These amendments are part of a comprehensive reform strategy to uplift the minerals sector,” Gandapur said. “Claims about transferring control over provincial resources are nothing more than propaganda,” he added.

He reiterated his government’s resolve to defend the province’s rights, including those related to National Finance Commission shares, net hydel profits, funds for merged districts, and the tobacco cess.

Appealing to the public not to be misled by misinformation, Gandapur stated, “This is our land, and we will not compromise on its interests or allow interference in our authority.”

He welcomed constructive criticism and open debate. “If anyone has concerns, they are free to review the relevant records. The amendments have only been introduced in the assembly and will undergo detailed discussion involving both the government and the opposition,” he said.

He dismissed allegations of relinquishing provincial control as completely unfounded, saying, “Those spreading such propaganda are neither sincere to the people nor to the province.”