DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor on Minerals Dr Syed Sarfaraz Ali Shah said on Friday that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was pursuing plans to establish mineral processing plants in the province to attract local and foreign investment.
The advisor said this during a meeting with a delegation of Chinese and local investors, who called on him to explore investment opportunities in the province’s mineral sector, said a handout.
The meeting discussed investment in mineral resources, extraction of raw minerals, the use of modern mining technologies and the establishment of local processing facilities.
The Chinese investors expressed keen interest in the province’s mineral potential and explored opportunities for investment and cooperation with the provincial government.
Discussions also focused on developing mining activities and converting raw minerals into value-added products through modern technology.
MPA Arbab Zarak Khan, Secretary Minerals Amir Latif, Director General Minerals and other relevant officials were also present.
Dr Sarfaraz said KP was rich in mineral resources and offered considerable opportunities for domestic and foreign investors.
He said the development of the province’s mineral wealth along modern lines and its optimal economic utilisation were among the government’s key priorities.
He said Chinese investors were interested in investing in the extraction and processing of minerals in the province.
In this regard, plans were being developed to establish mineral processing plants so that raw materials could be processed locally instead of being transported abroad for value addition.
The adviser said local processing would promote industrial activity, increase the economic value of mineral resources and contribute to the provincial economy.
“Processing raw minerals locally and converting them into finished products would create new employment opportunities and expand industrial and commercial activities across the province,” he said.
He stressed the need to utilise modern technology, international expertise and advanced processing techniques to realise the province’s mineral potential. The government’s focus, he added, was on promoting local processing and value addition rather than exporting natural resources in raw form.
Dr Sarfaraz said efforts were also under way to attract foreign investors, provide a conducive business environment and strengthen cooperation in the minerals sector.
He said the ultimate objective was to turn the province’s mineral resources into a driver of economic growth, industrial development and sustainable employment.
The visiting Chinese investors reiterated their interest in exploring investment opportunities in mineral extraction, modern mining technologies, processing plants and cooperation with the provincial government.
