Government Plans Rs980 Million Mineral Resource Centre In Peshawar
- The government has proposed a Rs979.6 million project to establish a mineral resource centre and advanced laboratory in Peshawar.
- The facility will support mineral exploration, testing, processing and value-added production.
- Officials expect the project to boost exports, attract investment and strengthen Pakistan’s mining sector.
The federal government has planned a major initiative worth nearly Rs980 million to strengthen Pakistan’s mineral exploration and processing capabilities through the establishment of a modern mineral resource centre, analytical laboratory and mineral detection facility at PCSIR Laboratories in Peshawar.
According to official documents, the project carries an estimated cost of Rs979.621 million and will be implemented by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology between 2026 and 2028.
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The proposed facility is designed to enhance the country’s mineral research infrastructure and support the development of the mining and industrial sectors through advanced scientific technologies and modern laboratory services.
Officials said the project will focus on mineral exploration, analytical testing, ore beneficiation, mineral identification, geological surveys and the development of technologies related to mineral extraction and processing.
The centre is expected to provide comprehensive services for evaluating local mineral resources and improving the quality and value of mineral products before they reach domestic and international markets.
As part of the project, several advanced analytical systems will be installed to improve testing accuracy and research capabilities. These include an Optical Emission Spectrometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) system and X-Ray Diffraction equipment.
These technologies will enable scientists and industry stakeholders to conduct detailed mineral analysis, identify valuable resources and support more efficient mining operations.
The government believes the facility will play a key role in strengthening indigenous technological capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign testing and analytical services.
Officials also expect the project to encourage value addition in mineral products, helping Pakistan move beyond raw mineral exports and towards higher-value processed products that can generate greater export earnings.
The planned centre will also support local industries involved in mineral-based manufacturing by providing technical assistance for product development, design improvement and quality enhancement.
According to experts, the project could significantly improve research and development capacity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province rich in mineral resources. Enhanced laboratory facilities and modern analytical technologies are expected to help identify new mining opportunities and encourage greater private-sector investment.
The initiative is also seen as an important step toward import substitution by enabling domestic industries to access advanced mineral testing and processing services within Pakistan.
Industry observers believe the project could contribute to the modernization of Pakistan’s mining sector, strengthen scientific research capabilities and support long-term growth in mineral exploration, industrial development and exports.
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