Lack of technology affect mineral resources of Sindh
HYDERABAD (APP): The lack of technical know how and non availability of advanced technology in mining causing damages to 80 percent mineral resources of Sindh particularly granite, marble and silica. The country could earn huge foreign exchange by exporting Sindh's fine quality granite and marble, said Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Minerals and Mineral Development, Imamuddin Shouqeen in a panel interview with APP. He said Sindh possessed huge reserves of around 27 different minerals including oil, gas and coal besides granite, marble and silica. The province of Sindh is making use of only five to ten percent of such resources as compared to Balochistan, he said. Shouqeen said that to derive maximum benefit, there is the need of proper exploration of these reserves through advanced technologies and technical manpower. The Ministry of Minerals and Mineral Resources has submitted a summary to Sindh Chief Minister for utilization of these mineral resources for progress and prosperity of Sindh as well as the country. It has also suggested incorporation of the recommendations with allocation of Rs. 2.5 billion in the coming budget for import of latest machinery for cutting granite and marble followed by its processing according to international standard. Through application of advanced technologies, he said, the province could not only explore these minerals but also open job opportunities for local people by providing them mine training of world standard. If the provincial government failed to allocate recommended amount because of limited resources, Imamuddin Shouqeen said that he will approach the federal government to import wanted technologies. The international donor agencies including World Bank can also be approached for the purpose, he added. The Advisor also urged for the provision of basic infrastructure and maintenance of law and order in order to invite foreign investment.
