Report on the “Mineral Potential of Pakistan – Special Focus on Metallic Minerals in Chagai Region and RE & Lithium”
Contents
Executive Summary 7
1. Purpose and Scope of the Report 11
1.1 Submittal: 11
1.2 Acknowledgement: 12
2. Overview of Pakistan’s Mineral Sector 13
3. The History of Mineral Exploration in Pakistan with a Special Focus on Balochistan 16
3.1 Introduction: 16
3.2 The Dawn of Exploration: 16
3.3 Key Minerals and Developments 18
3.4 Challenges and Outlook 19
3.5 Projects Under Spotlight 20
3.6 Reko Diq Project: A Case Study from 1990 to 2023 20
3.7 Recent Development (2023) 21
3.8 Conclusion 22
4. Regulatory Framework for Mineral Sector in Pakistan 23
4.1 Introduction: 23
4.2 Legal Framework for Mineral Exploration in Pakistan: 23
4.3 Economic Development and Trade Relations: 23
4.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): 24
4.5 Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: 24
4.6 Challenges and Prospects: 25
4.7 Conclusion: 25
5. Tectonic Framework and Geological Setting of Pakistan, with a focus on Balochistan from a Minerals perspective 26
5.1 Introduction 26
5.2 Regional Geological Overview – Stratigraphy and Structural Geology 26
5.3 Geological Setting of Balochistan 27
The Chagai and Raskoh Regions 27
5.4 Structural Geology of the Chagai and Raskoh Regions 28
5.5 Geological and Tectonic Synopsis – Impact on Mineralization 28
5.6 Chagai Belt: A Diverse Geological Mosaic 29
The Chagai Magmatic Arc 30
5.7 Noteworthy Geological and Tectonic Studies for Future Exploration 31
5.8 Managing Tectonic Risks in Exploration 32
5.9 Challenges and Future Prospects in Mineral Exploration 32
5.10 The Prospects for Mineral Exploration in Balochistan 32
6. Metallogenic Evolution of Pakistan 33
6.1 Introduction to Pakistan’s Metallogenic Landscape 33
6.2 Diverse Metallogenic Environments 33
6.3 Tectonic Suturing and Its Consequences 34
A Refined Metallogenic Scheme 34
Mineral Products of Metallogenic Progression 35
6.4 Recommendations for Future Exploration 35
6.5 Conclusion: Exploiting the Mineral Wealth of Pakistan 35
7. Exploring the Mineral Basins of Pakistan and Associated Minerals 36
7.1 Introduction 36
7.2 Geological Evolution and Mineralization in Pakistan 36
7.3 Exploration and Development: Comprehensive Geological Mapping: 37
7.4 Metallogenic Belts and Mineral Basins 37
7.5 Balochistan: A Mineralogical Powerhouse 37
7.6 Conclusion: 41
8. Significance of Chagai and Surrounding Areas in Pakistan’s Mineral Landscape 42
8.1 Introduction: 42
8.2 Geological Setting: 42
8.3 Mineral Wealth of Chagai: 42
8.4 Economic Impact and Opportunities: 42
8.5 Challenges and Future Prospects: 42
9. The Mineral Sector of Pakistan – Key Minerals, Current Status and Future Prospects 44
9.1 Introduction 44
9.2 Major Metallic Mineral Deposits of Pakistan: Location and Current Status: 45
9.3 Saindak Copper-Gold Deposits – From Discovery to Development 46
9.4 Reko Diq Copper-Gold Deposits – A Narrative of Exploration and Advancement 51
9.5 Other Metallic Minerals 54
Iron Deposits in Pakistan: An In-Depth Look at Opportunity and Challenge 54
Chagai Iron Deposits: 56
Other Promising Sites: 56
Chromite Deposits in Pakistan: An Extensive Overview 56
9.6 Scientific Research and Studies: 57
9.7 Barite Deposits in Pakistan: An In-Depth Review 57
9.8 Balochistan’s Abundant Barite Deposits: 57
9.9 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Significant Barite Reserves: 58
9.10 Mining Practices and Production: 59
9.11 Challenges and Potential: 59
9.12 Comprehensive Overview of Coal in Pakistan 59
9.13 Salt Deposits in Pakistan: An In-Depth Review 62
9.14 Conclusion: 64
10. Significant Mineral Projects in Balochistan, especially Chagai and Raskoh Regions 65
10.1 Saindak and Reko Diq Copper-Gold Projects: 65
10.2 Lead & Zinc Deposits in Pakistan: An In-Depth Analysis 66
10.3 Surmai’s Promising Lead-Zinc Prospects: 66
10.4 Gunga and Bankhri: Powerful Lead-Zinc Providers 67
10.5 Enhancing Mineral Extraction – Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Growth Opportunities 68
11. Overview of Rare Earth Elements – A Global and Pakistan Perspective 69
11.1 Introduction: 69
11.2 Properties and Uses of Rare Earth Elements (REE) 72
11.3 Mining and Processing Methods for Rare Earth Elements: 73
11.4 Global Distribution of Rare Earth Element Resources: 74
11.5 Potential Rare Earth Element Deposits in Pakistan – A Thorough Overview: 76
11.6 Challenges and Avenues: 76
11.7 Conclusion: 76
12. Lithium – Rock & Brine Types: A Brief Outlook with Special Emphasis on its Occurrences and Potential Prospects in Pakistan 77
12.1 Introduction: 77
12.2 Significance: 78
12.3 Uses: 78
12.4 Occurrences: 78
12.5 Prospective Areas in Pakistan for Lithium Prospecting: 80
12.5.1 Rock-Type Lithium and Its Occurrences in Pakistan 80
12.5.2 Brine Type Lithium and Its Prospect in Pakistan, Especially Emphasis on Balochistan and Its Hamun 82
12.5.3 Sea Water Lithium 83
12.6 Conclusion: 84
13. Future Prospects in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector 85
13.1 Chitral-Karakoram Mineral Belt (CKMB) 87
13.2 Skardu-Gilgit Pegmatite Mineral Belt (SGPMB) 89
13.3 Western Indus Suture Mineral Belt (WISMB) 90
13.4 Peshawar Basin Carbonatites Belt (PBCB) 92
13.5 Waziristan-Khost Ophiolite Belt (WKOB) 93
13.6 Muslim Bagh-Zhob Ophiolite Belt (MBZOB) 95
13.7 Chagai Igneous Mineral Belt (CIMB) 97
13.8 Bela-Khuzdar Mineral Belt (BKMB) 99
14. Final Conclusion 102
15. Recommendations 104
16. Bibliography/ Key References 107
List of Maps (Appendices)
Appendix 1 – A3 Size, Prospective Mineral Belts of Pakistan (with the elements present on each prospective belt).
Appendix 2 – A0 Size, Mineral map of Pakistan (GSP, 2018), modified for this Report with satellite imagery in the background to show Geology and Terrain along with locations of all minerals occurrences along with Prospective Mineral Belts.
Appendix 3 – A0 Size, Mineral map of Pakistan (GSP, 2018), modified for this Report without satellite imagery in the background to show Geology and Terrain along with locations of all minerals occurrences along with Prospective Mineral Belts.
Appendix 4 – A0 Size, Metallogenic Map of Chagai and Raskoh, Balochistan, Pakistan (GSP, 1987), modified for this Report to show occurrences of all minerals and brine-type lithium deposits and associated Text.
Appendix 5 – A2 Size, Map of Rock-type Lithium deposits of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (superimposed on satellite imagery with all mineral locations marked)
Appendix 6 – A2 Size, Map of Brine type Lithium deposits of Balochistan, Pakistan. (Superimposed on the satellite imagery)
Executive Summary
Mineral Potential of Pakistan: Leveraging Chagai’s Wealth
This comprehensive report provides a strategic examination of Pakistan’s mineral potential with a focus on the Chagai District of Balochistan. It establishes a technical and commercial base for exploiting mineral exploration opportunities, offering an in-depth look at the geologic framework, assessment of mineral reserves, and financial viability evaluation. Identified significant stockpiles include Copper, Gold, Iron, Lead, Zinc, Chromite, and Lithium, with geopolitical and environmental factors integral to the mining operations considered. The region’s geology suggests a high likelihood of substantial discoveries.
Given the need of the time, sections on Lithium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) are included as essential additions, extending beyond this project’s initial scope. Eight Mineral Belts have been pinpointed across Pakistan, each promising specific metallic mineral deposits, detailed in the Section on “Future Prospects in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector” – this report’s core and exclusive segment. Furthermore, the report emphasizes that responsible development, upholding ecological and community welfare, is essential for long-term success. Despite existing hurdles, strategic collaboration can reveal the wealth of minerals with due regard for both the local population and the environment. Hamza Consultant gives you a full Report on the Mineral Potential of Pakistan in just 1 Click.
[Prospective Mineral Belts of Pakistan – each belt signifying unique mineral assemblage associated with different origins (A3 size Map is attached as Appendix 1)]
Geological and Economic Assessment
The complex geological history of Chagai’s rocky terrain, formed through shifting tectonic plates over immense periods, bestows a significant mineral benefaction that has long lay underutilized. This accounting draws together both archaic and modern exploration findings to span the knowledge chasm between former and forthcoming times, ratifying the territory’s qualifications as a gainful mineral market rife with openings still left untapped, from the intricate veins of precious ores deep underground to Those sparsely protruding from its rugged uplands.
Challenges and Strategic Recommendations
Despite abundant mineral resources below the surface, the mining sector in this country faces numerous hurdles. Bureaucratic red tape has led to long wait times for permits and approvals, delaying projects. Additionally, outdated exploration techniques and aging equipment at processing facilities have hampered production. Environmental regulations, while necessary, can be cumbersome. To tackle these interrelated problems will require innovative solutions and coordinated long-term planning.
The report outlines a strategy to modernize from top to bottom. Comprehensive digital mapping of ore deposits would improve the targeting of exploration efforts. Increased public funding could accelerate the shift to next-generation technologies like autonomous vehicles and renewable energy in remote sites. Streamlining regulations through clarification and enforcement tailored to new methods may satisfy environmental goals without unnecessary obstruction. Promoting diversification into mineral-based manufacturing would have economic and national security benefits. By addressing challenges through strategic investments in technology and infrastructure, the sector’s potential for sustainable growth could be fully realized.
Environmental and Community Considerations
The report underscores the vital necessity for thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and exhaustive Social Impact Evaluations to guarantee that extractive operations contribute advantageously to the natural world and adjacent populaces. It advocates for meaningful community participation and reinforcement of infrastructures for community prosperity in mining endeavors, synchronizing with the National Mineral Policy-2012 (NMP)’s longitudinal vision for balanced progress. While resource extraction can produce economic benefits, its repercussions must be cautiously evaluated and local voices equally respected to prevent the exploitation of environments and inhabitants. By incorporating compliance with EIA suggestions and receptive dialogue with stakeholders, mining projects can cultivate shared prosperity.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The evolution of the National Mineral Policy has been complex, yet it provides a solid legal framework for the sector’s advancement. The report calls for legal changes, a commitment to environmental protection, and community well-being. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and establishing stability are crucial for realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s mineral resources.
The National Mineral Policy that exists today was rolled out in 2012. The creation of Pakistan’s Mining Sector Technical Consultative Committee in 2022, endorsing international standards like the JORC code, marks a significant step towards attracting investment and modernizing the sector. Despite the potential, growth is often hindered by bureaucratic, legal, and environmental challenges. The government’s recent revision of the National Mineral Policy (yet to be rolled out) aims to foster a conducive investment environment, especially in mineral-rich regions like Balochistan.
Economic Implications and Future Prospects
The mineral riches located in the harsh terrain of Chagai hold both opportunity and risk for Pakistan’s development trajectory. Strategic foresight, prudent allocation of capital, and environmentally conscious stewardship will determine whether the nation reaps bounty or burden from its underground treasures. Both short-term viability and long-range sustainability must factor into the management of these partially tapped treasures, lest their potential gift transform into a burden. Solely by balancing priorities and stitching together diverse stakeholder needs can Pakistan stitch prosperity from its stony seeds.
Mineral Sector Challenges and Recommendations
The mineral sector’s contribution to economic development is often underestimated due to natural hazards and double accounting with other sectors. Recommendations include improving the regulatory framework, fostering international partnerships, and ensuring environmental and community considerations are prioritized. Safety in mining operations is a critical concern, with recommendations for proper ventilation, one-window operations to attract foreign investors, and the establishment of mine rescue and safety stations by provincial governments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the report lays out a cohesive strategic plan for unearthing and nurturing Pakistan’s vast mineral potential. A plan that revolves around the crucial role of cutting-edge technology, a refashioned regulatory framework, and a culture of sustainability within which the mineral sector operates. In doing so, the mineral sector is transformed as a key conduit of Pakistani mineral wealth into the global export market. To make good on this vision, the collaboration of government, private sector, and local communities is essential for propelling the mineral sector on its transformative path to becoming a cornerstone of Pakistani – and global – economic growth and resilience if – and crucially only if – the recommendations of this report are diligently implemented. In doing so, Pakistan can at last realize its true mineral wealth, engendering prosperity and a sustainable future.