Peshawar: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved amendments to the mining law that will make the sector friendlier for foreign investment, particularly in the newly-merged tribal districts (NMTDs), according to a news report.
Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Mines and Minerals Development Dr Amjad Ali announced this development, and stated that its aim is to promote KP’s role in the economy, with mining being a major contributor. To this end, the government formulated and approved the amended Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mineral Sector Governance (Amendment) Act 2019.
This act will facilitate foreign investors interested in the province’s mining sector, and also attempt to curb illegal mining activities in the area. The penalties for such actions have been significantly increased under this amendment, with illegal mining cognizable as a non-bailable offence with a prison term of three to five years, along with hefty fines. Dr Ali said that these changes will enhance the department’s revenue.
This amendment will also define the processes and awards for mineral titles in the NMTDs. The authorities will give locals preference in all such bids, with the additional stipulation that a mineral title holder can also be nominated by the local community. A dispute resolution committee will address the mineral sector issues in the area, while an Appellate Tribunal will work on appeals in a timely and effective manner. This act also forbids e-bidding in the minor minerals sector of the province.
