Peshawar — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced the KP Mines and Minerals Bill to regulate the mining sector, attract investment, and ensure local development.
The bill proposes the establishment of the KP Mineral Development Authority, an autonomous body responsible for overseeing mineral exploration, licensing, contracts, and monitoring. This authority will have full financial, technical, and administrative autonomy, while district-level committees will handle oversight and grievance redressal.
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The bill classifies minerals into three categories: large minerals, small minerals, and strategic minerals, each with specific procedures and requirements. The bill introduces an e-auction system for licensing, digital applications, and emphasizes transparency. The federal government will need to approve licenses for strategic mineral projects and foreign investments.
The bill also prioritizes environmental protection, mandating an Environmental Management Plan for each mining project and requiring Community Development Agreements for the welfare of local populations.
Additionally, the bill ensures that a clear portion of the income from mining projects will go toward local development, with district-level oversight. To enhance transparency, the bill mandates online publication of all contracts, licenses, and beneficial ownership details. The government plans to use Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to register mining areas and introduce a digital system for real-time monitoring of mining activities.
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To resolve disputes, the bill proposes creating an Appellate Tribunal headed by a retired judge from the Peshawar High Court. This tribunal will handle complaints and appeals related to mining activities. The bill includes strict penalties and fines for illegal mining and suggests using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease the burden on the judicial system.
The KP Mines and Minerals Bill aims to modernize the mining sector, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable development. It seeks to improve resource management and ensure that mining activities benefit the local community.
