PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

TUESDAY, THE 04^th FEBRUARY, 2025

187      *Mr. Abdul Basit:

Will the Minister for Mines and Minerals Development be pleased to State:-

How is the Government promoting investment in the mining sector to drive economic growth and job creation?

ANSWER

SYED SARDAR ALI SHAH: MINISTER FOR MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT:-

The government is actively promoting investment in the mining sector to stimulate economic growth and job creation strategies to encourage both local and foreign investment:

• The government has introduced legislation to accommodate both small- and large-scale mining projects. By setting province-specific regulations, the government enables easier entry for local and medium-sized investors. For instance, under Sindh Government laws, large-scale mining investments have a lower threshold of Rs. 300 million, with mining area limits capped at 500 acres, thus providing a favorable framework for regional investors.
• Under Rule 137 of the Sindh Mines and Minerals Governance Rules 2023, the government supports mineral development through joint ventures (JVs) with public and private organizations. This approach leverages technical expertise to enhance mineral exploration, excavation, dressing, and marketing, ultimately increasing profitability in the mining sector. Additionally, the government may establish mining companies with number of directors and staff to efficiently manage and develop the province’s mineral resources.

To further support local economic growth, the government prioritizes small-scale mining rights for local residents. By offering preferential rights for local applicants, the government ensures that communities within mineral-rich areas benefit directly from mining activities, fostering local employment and skill development

189      *Mr. Abdul Basit:

Will the Minister for Mines and MineralsDevelopment be pleased to State:-

Can you provide updates on the progress of mineral exploration and development projects in Sindh up to 2024?

ANSWER

SYED SARDAR ALI SHAH: MINISTER FOR MINES AND MINERALSDEVELOPMENT:-

For exploration and development of minerals the following schemes have been completed.

Besides a scheme on Profile study of significant Minerals in Sindh has been initiated. This will help provide a detailed profile like a Menu Card of minerals of economic importance.

190      *Mr. Abdul Basit:

Will the Minister for Mines and Minerals Development be pleased to State:-

Number of incidents of illegal mining reported in Sindh during 2018 to 2023 alongwith action taken against involved?

ANSWER

SYED SARDAR ALI SHAH: MINISTER FOR MINES AND MINERALSDEVELOPMENT:-

1. 145 incidents of illegal mining have been reported in Sindh Province during year 2018 to 2023.
2. 141 challans under section 1 and 2 of Sindh Prohibition of taking Minerals including Reti(Sand) and Bajri Act 2003 and Section 27 of Sindh Mines and Minerals Governance Act 2021 have been submitted in competent courts.
3. 04 F.I.Rs have been lodged.
4. 233 accused have been penalized in the court.

705      *Mr. Muhammad Shabbir Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Mines and Minerals Development be pleased to State:-

Reserved bid and actual bids accepted for the rights to collect district-wise royalty on certain minerals in the Province during 2021-2022?

ANSWER

SYED SARDAR ALI SHAH: MINISTER FOR MINES AND MINERALSDEVELOPMENT:-

The Reserved bid and accepted bid for rights to collect district wise royalty on minerals (other than coal) in the Province during 2021-22, is as under: