Mineral Potential of Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), now designated as the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, embody a region with a tumultuous past but a promising future. Despite the scars of conflict, this area is blessed with abundant, untapped mineral resources that have the potential to uplift its residents. The transformation from FATA to NMDs marks a significant shift towards development and integration. The strategic location and rich natural resources of this region position it as a pivotal player in the economic and social advancement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and, by extension, Pakistan as a whole. Responsible and sustainable harnessing of these untouched mineral resources can create job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and pave the way for infrastructure development.

The region is endowed with diverse natural resources, ranging from metallic and industrial minerals to gemstones and coal. Each of the seven districts in the NMDs boasts a unique mineral profile

In the case of District Bajaur, now integrated into the Malakand Division, promising deposits of Chromite Ore are found in its southern regions. In the Dimension stone category, numerous granite mineral titles have been granted in the northern region of the district, while the southern region is acknowledged for its marble deposits, with corresponding titles duly granted. Moreover, in the precious stone category, Bajaur stands out for its potential in yielding emeralds, Grossular, Jade, and Nephrite.

To the south of Bajaur lies Mohmand, a district with a western border adjacent to Afghanistan and an eastern border shared with District Charsadda. Mohmand is renowned for its extensive marble potential, contributing significantly to the district's mineral wealth. In addition to marble, the region also possesses notable deposits of nephrite. Chromite and copper occurrences have been identified at various locations within the district, further adding to its diverse mineral resources.

Continuing southward, Khyber is the subsequent district, boasting mineral titles for a variety of resources. This includes coal, limestone, marble, fluorite, and laterite, reflecting the district's rich geological composition. Moving ahead, the districts of Kurram and Orakzai, which are bordered by Khyber, exhibit distinct mineral potentials. Kurram stands out for its reserves of soapstone and coal, while Orakzai is recognized for its significant coal deposits.

The subsequent districts, North and South Waziristan, though not extensively explored and exploited to their full potential, hold promising prospects for investments in the mineral sector. The region is endowed with significant potential for various minerals, including copper, chromite, coal, and manganese.

Despite the current underutilization, the untapped mineral wealth in North and South Waziristan presents a compelling opportunity for future exploration and investment, contributing to the overall growth and development of the mineral sector in the region.

This succession of districts underscores the expansive and varied mineral landscape of the region, highlighting the economic potential and strategic importance of each district in the realm of mineral resource exploration and development. The untapped potential of these districts can play a pivotal role in the socioeconomic transformation of the region and contribute to the broader prosperity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.