PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan announced the establishment of Mines Development Company to modernise the sector in line with international standards.
The chief Minister said that a draft law has been prepared for this purpose which will soon be approved from cabinet. He said that it will help improve the quality of mineral products which will lead to significant increase in province’s revenue. Khan said steps are being taken for geo-mapping of all mineral deposits in KP.
Read more:
KP Revenue Authority to hold Registration drive
KPRA’s monthly collection crosses 2 billion mark
‘KPRA to reduce tax if salons assure compliance’
The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process of setting up of Mines Development Company. He further directed that steps should be taken to encourage private investment to make full use of the precious minerals deposits of the province and a mechanism should be worked out for collaboration with private companies.
The Chief Minister further directed that for the convenience of private investors and industrialists, steps should be taken on priority basis by all departments for the provision of services through single window operation, including the execution NOCs, to ensure the provision of other facilities to investors.
The Chief Minister directed to make the process of leasing for minerals easier and more transparent, saying that in case of non-commencement of practical work by the lease holders within the stipulated period, the leases should be canceled as per the prevailing law.
The meeting was briefed on the overall performance of the department and progress on development projects. It was further informed that steps are being taken for geo-mapping of all the mineral deposits. The meeting participants were informed that a project is being launched for geological mapping of mineral deposits for which an agreement has been signed. In addition, there is also a plan to establish a Mines Rescue Service and Labor Welfare Center tribal districts.