Minerals refer to the metallic and non- metallic substances found underground. Mineral resources play an important role in the development of any country. According to economists, the more a country is rich in mineral resource wealth and production, the stronger it is considered to be economically. Minerals are of following two types:
- Metallic Minerals
- Non-Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals
1. Iron ore
Production of iron ore in Pakistan started in 1957. Iron ore deposits have been discovered from several places, among which Kala Bagh (District Mianwali) deposits are very large but the quality is not good. A good grade of iron ore has been discovered in the deposits of Domal Nisar (Chitral).
2. Copper and Gold
The importance and utility of copper and gold is not hidden from anyone. Vast deposits of gold and copper have been discovered in Chaghi and Saindak in Balochistan, which are the fifth largest deposits in the world, but lack of infrastructure, non- availability of required machinery, limited experience and insufficient financial resources are major obstacles to their extraction.
3. Manganese
This metal is used in battery making, bulb making, painting and the steel industry. In Pakistan, its deposits are found in Lasbela and Chaghi District (Balochistan).
4. Bauxite
This precious metal is used to make Aluminum. Its deposits are found in Muzaffarabad and Kotli districts of Azad Kashmir, in the central areas of Salt Range in Punjab and in Loralai district of Balochistan.
5. Chromite
This metal is used in the stainless steel goods manufacturing and steel making industry. It is also used to make engineering tools. In Balochistan, its deposits are found in Muslim Bagh, Lasbela and Chaghi areas etc. Chromite deposits are also found in Malakand and Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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