1. Minerals

Extensive deposits of marble are found at several different locations in Bajaur. The marble is associated with the Calcareous rocks. The marble is processed in mostly green and black colors. It is processed in different marble factories in KPK, and in other parts of the country. The table below in Figure 1 illustrates the estimated reserves of various minerals in Bajaur.

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However, as per the data shared by Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC), an estimated 500 million tons of Marble and 200 million tons of Granite reserves exist in Bajaur District.

Nevertheless, to confirm the exact estimates of Marble and Granite for the district, proper estimation is required.

Strengths

1. Immense reserves of industrial rocks.
2. Potential for further exploration of minerals on scientific methods.

Opportunities

In order to overcome the above mentioned challenges faced by the industry, and make it more competitive for global market, following policy recommendations can be adopted:

1. Establish a ’Mineral Processing and Value Addition Complex’ and ensure provision of:
   • Basic utilities, i.e. electricity, gas, insurance, security etc. for potential investors.
   • A small scale power generation unit, for supplying uninterrupted electricity to the industrial units.
   • A research institute for mineral extraction and processing located in Bajaur or nearby university campus.
   • Technical Training Center.
   • Shopping Mall.
   • Business Park and Office Space.
   • Representative offices of KP Mines & Mineral Development Department functioning on the concept of One Window model facilitating necessary approvals.
   • Freight Handling & associated services in one spot.
2. The office of KP Mines & Mineral Development Department should offer regular assistance to industry in general on modern mining techniques, equipment handling and environmental safety.
3. KP Mines & Mineral Development Department needs to prepare an Investor’s Brief that clearly quantify / identify the potential of mining minerals in the area, and state the current level of investigation for the total amount of minerals available.
4. To increase accessibility of local mine and industry owners to finance, KP Government can use following options:
   • Encourage all state owned and private banks to offer Islamic banking products/services to the local mine owners and processors in order to enhance production and process the minerals at international standards.

2. Conclusion

Resources available in Bajaur district present commercially viable opportunities for the locals and investors in minerals production, value addition in mineral processing and fruit processing. Hybrid farming techniques of local farmers can be strengthen to increase farmer income and explore further prospects. With 18.74%, Bajaur has the largest forest reserves of previous FATA region, closely followed by Kurram, Orakzai and South Waziristan. The total area under forest is 88,571 acres.

In the recent study, 11 fish species were recorded in Bajaur Agency. Fish farming could easily be promoted in this district for enhancing economic activity which may in turn improve the earnings and life quality of the people in this area. The fish were collected from all the three streams of Bajaur district namely Salarzai stream, Nawagai stream and Mamund stream from 2004 to 2010.

If addressed properly these local resources can generate substantial revenue for the district of Bajaur and uplift living standards of the locals.