AJK's mineral, gems deposits can change regions socio-economic status
Gem stones found are comparatively more precious than the diamond being used in the world
MUZAFFARABAD (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) mostly dependent on tourism and labour is blessed with huge natural treasures worth billions of rupees and if exploited on modern lines could change the socioeconomic status of approximately four million inhabitants of the region.
“The significant deposits of matchless quality of gem stones like ruby, sapphire, green tourmaline, aquamarine and zircon only this region posses but unfortunately no due investment ever been made by the quarters concerned to utilize this wealth for human well-being,” Director Geological of Survey of Pakistan AJK Saeed Akhtar said.
Gem stones found in upper Neelum Valley and rarely in Leepa Valley as well, ruby (aquamarine) are comparatively more precious than the diamond being used in the world. Photo: APP
He said besides this, there are proven reserves of billions of tons of industrial stones like graphite, Mica, Quartz, Bentonite, Limonite and Marble Stof high quality in different areas.
By unearthing these reservoirs, the government can earn billions of rupees revenue besides creating thousands of jobs through establishment of allied industry like cutting, polishing of gem stones, cement industry and graphite based industries, he claimed.
A Pakistani labourer displaying ruby gemstones after finding them in pieces of rocks outside a mine at a mountain in the Kashmiri town of Chitta Katha in Upper Neelum Valley. PHOTO: AFP
Gem stones found in upper Neelum Valley and rarely in Leepa Valley as well, ruby (aquamarine) are comparatively more precious than the diamond being used in the world but more resources are required for their mass exploration and bring them in the international market.
Also Read: Rubies, the buried treasures of Pakistani Kashmir
Akhtar said old and obsolete way of exploiting these resources by using dynamites is affecting their quality besides their loss and only modern and sophisticated techniques are a solution to excavate this treasure with full potential and quality assurance.
Mining of Ruby is currently underway at two sites namely Chitta Katha and Nungi Mali in upper Neelum Valley by Azad Kashmir Mineral Industrial Development Corporation (AKMIDC). A private firm, he said , is also involved but both are yielding nothing productive due to outdated equipment and obsolete techniques to bring out this buried treasure.
An elderly Pakistani labourer washing a piece of rock outside a mine at a mountain to find gemstones in the Kashmiri town of Chitta Katha in Upper Neelum Valley. PHOTO: AFP
“Besides gem stones their exist huge reserves of industrial stones like Graphite, Mica and Quartz which are used in making sophisticated equipments, electric plugs, iron and lenses of telescopes.” he informed.
The third major mineral potential of the region is building stones (marble and Granite) used as finishing tiles in the buildings, still to be uncovered for region’s betterment.
A Pakistani student curving the shape of a gemstone at the Gems & Jewerllery Training & Processing Centre in Muzaffarabad. PHOTO: AFP
“The cost of quality construction is too high in AJK because majority of the construction material is transported from far flung areas of Pakistan and if this industry is revolutionized it can bring a significant change in the socioeconomic well-being of the people here,” he remarked.
Akhtar also suggested AJK government to establish a cement factory to utilize trillions of natural reserves associated with the cement industry available at Kamsar near Muzaffarabad.
“Geological Survey of Pakistan’s assistance in this regard, if sought, could be of paramount importance”, he suggested AJK government.
The AJK government does not have sufficient financial resources to buy new machinery or to build more mines, AKMIDC Managing Director Chaudhary Zahid Hussain regretted.
