Planning Commission starts consultation for formulating mineral policy
Date: Jan 3, 2019
The Planning Commission organized a consultative session at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to get the input and proposals of business community for the new Mineral Policy in order to develop the mineral sector on modern lines.
Dr. Syed Akhtar Hussain Shah, Member (Private Sector Development & Competitiveness), Planning Commission, Riaz Sahito Deputy Chief Ministry of Planning, Javed Iqbal Khattak General Manager SMEDA KPK and others were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Syed Akhtar Hussain Shah said that the government wanted to develop mineral sector on modern lines as it has great potential to create new jobs and enhance exports.
He said the new mineral policy would envisage many interventions including estimation and mapping of mineral reserves with scientific methods, provincial mineral policies, rules, one window facility, fixation of royalties and duties.
It would also introduce Mine Magistrates in mineral rich areas for speedy disposal of disputes, development of mines access roads, provision of basic facilities like electricity, water, establishment of Common Facilitation Centers, establishment of export processing zones, specific banking products for import of machinery and training facilities.
He said the government wanted to develop new Mineral Policy in consultation with all stakeholders to develop and consultative session at ICCI was a part of that process.
He said after thorough study of primary and secondary data and consultations with key stakeholders, a draft framework of mineral policy was developed and business community should provide input to further refine it.
