Policy Paper: 6th International Conference
EARTH SCINECES PAKISTAN 2022
AND
WORKSHOP ON MINERAL DEPOSITS & POLICY GUIDELINES

25-27 June, 2022 at Bara Gali Summer Campus
Organized by National Center of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar

1. Introduction

The National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) is a premier institute in Pakistan for education and research in geosciences. Besides education and research, NCEG also plays a major role in organizing conferences, seminars and workshops on topics related to geosciences as part of its knowledge management initiative. The 6th International Conference, “Earth Sciences Pakistan 2022”, was organized by the National Center of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar from 25th to 27th June, 2022 at the Bara Gali Summer Campus. Dr. Shahid Mehmood Baig, Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony, who expressed his views about the importance of Earth Sciences and the integrated approaches toward the research and development. He appreciated the efforts of NCEG for overall progress and organizing this international event. The Chief Guest announced that Pakistan Science Foundation will sign an MoU with NCE in Geology to upgrade its facilities, establish a geological museum and sponsor such events for commercialization of research in future. Above 300 participants, including those from renowned international institutes from Malaysia, Nepal, Afghanistan, Japan, and national organizations such as GSP, PMDC, NESPAK, HDIP, KPOGCL, PDMA, NCGSA, PSF, PASTIC, KP Economic Zone, Soil & Water Conservation and KP Board of investment and trade (KP-BOIT), as well as academics participated in the event.
There was a Special Workshop on “Mineral Deposits of Pakistan: Mapping & Exploration techniques and Policy Guidelines” under the GIS and Space Applications in Geosciences project has organized a one-day workshop on June 26, 2022. The workshop was attended by more than 100 participants including post graduate scholars, academician, national and international research scientists. Mr. Aamir Muhammad, Director Exploration from DGMM presented the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mineral Policy and detailed discussion was made.  This workshop was one of the activities of the MoU which has already been signed by Secretary Minerals Development and Director NCE Geology in the presence of Advisor to CM on Mines & Minerals. At this occasion, Dr. Liaqat Ali Director, NCE in Geology appreciated the efforts of Mr. Arif Ahmadzai, Advisor to CM on Mines and Minerals for highlighting the role of NCE Geology in mineral sector policy and will forward the recommendations of workshop to the Government for incorporation in draft policy. Furthermore, the ESP 2022 provided an opportunity for corporate sector to showcase their products/services and connect with 200+ researchers, stakeholders and policy makers from all over the country and abroad. They were indulged in networking with attendees and access to all educational sessions. 
Mr. Abdul Karim Khan, Special Assistant to CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Industries and Commerce was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of the “Earth Sciences Pakistan 2022”. Mr. Abdul Karim Khan accentuated on academia and industry linkages so as to come up with indigenous solution to various problems faced by the Government. Mr. Abdul Karim Khan also briefed the audience on the achievements of the Government in development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the mining and exploration sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which will play a major role in socio-economic development uplift of the country. He concluded by expressing his appreciation to Dr. Liaqat Ali Director Geology Centre, for organizing the international conference on the advancement of Earth Sciences, particularly in the areas of sustainable natural resources, mitigation of natural hazards and countering the adverse effects of climate changes.

2. Objectives

• To bring together academia and professionals from across Pakistan and abroad to present their findings and recommendations on various aspects of earth sciences to policy makers.
• To network and provide opportunities to industry professionals and university students for knowledge sharing earth sciences to boost research and development in the sector.
• To disseminate their research work and knowledge products among the professionals, schools and policymakers at the national and international level.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for wide-ranging issues pertaining to earth sciences with specific reference to policy guidelines.       

3. Patrons

• Prof. Dr. M. Idrees, Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar
• Prof. Dr.Qasim Jan, Professor Emeritus NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar
• Prof. Dr. M. Tahir Shah, Professor Emeritus NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar

4. Conference Convener

• Dr. Liaqat Ali, Director & Conference Convener, NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar

5. Chief Organizer Workshop

• Dr. Seema Anjum Khattak Assistant Prof NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar

6. Conference secretary

• Dr. Khalid Latif Assistant Prof NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar

7. National and International Guests of Honors 

• Dr, M. Akram Sheikh, DG PASTIC, Islamabad.
• Dr. Saeed Khan Jadoon, DG Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan.
• Dr. Goh Thian Lai, Department of Earth Sciences & Environment, University of Malaysia, Malaysia.
• Dr. Hafiz Ur Rehman, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan.
• Dr. Sher Muhammad, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Mr. Asghar Ghaforzai, Department of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, Nangarhar University, Afghanistan.
• Mr. Aamir Muhammad, Director Exploration Directorate General Mines & Minerals Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Mr. Asghar Karim, General Manager Business Development, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation.
• Mr. Tariq Afridi, Director Marketing & Promotion, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade.
• Mr. Gul Muhammad, Manager Tourism, IT & Agriculture, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade
• Mr. Ishfaq Khan Afridi, Deputy Director, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development & Management Company.
• About 300 participants including faculty members, industry professionals and postgraduate students of earth sciences also attended the conference

The Chief Executive Officer Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade, Dr. Hassan Daud, also participated virtually through his recorded video statement.

8. Outcomes and Recommendations 

• The impetus of the mines and minerals sector in the national economy has not been realised to its potential as the sector has not been given the required attention.
• The field of earth sciences has not been optimally utilized due to lack of focus, inadequate policy initiatives and scarce financial inputs (from public and private sector).
• The public institutions lack the technical capacities, managerial skills and material support for the implementation of the Mineral Policy in order to improve the development of the mineral and mining sector.
• The professionals associated with geosciences may be part of the decision-making bodies to guide and advise the Government in achieving its goals.
• There is a need to strengthen coordination among the minerals industry, mining companies, minerals directorate, research organizations and academia for proper exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
• The working linkages among the mining companies, entrepreneurs and researchers may be strengthened to spur research and development in earth sciences.
• The academic curriculum on earth sciences is in need of revision to update it on modern lines to improve the skill and expertise of manpower in light of industry demand.
• The skill development opportunities may be provided to the personnel working in the mineral sector, preferably through the establishment of a specialized training institutes.
• The obsolete mining techniques leading to wastage of resources (especially marble) may be replaced with advanced mechanized mining solutions.
• The weak database related to exploration activities, minerals reserves, mining processing, etc. may be enhanced to promote foreign direct investment.
• The government may adopt JORC and NI-43/101 standards to attract international mining sites.
• The large-scale mapping of potential minerals extraction areas and opportunities requires government funding.
• The fresh geoscientists may be provided opportunities of trainings and internships in relevant industry.
• The Government should strengthen linkages with R & D and academia and should create funding opportunities for applied research including mineral exploration including assessment, identification, grades evaluation of minerals & rocks, resource evaluation, environmental assessment, and water and energy resources.
•  The Government may devise a mechanism whereby the mining firms while applying for lease/prospecting /mining license or renewal process etc. will be bound to submit 1) the feasibility report countersigned by the NCEG and 2) the test reports generated by the state-of-the-art laboratories of the NCEG to avoid the losses of precious metals and minerals.
• The gems and mineral programs, which includes the value addition and minerals certification should be encouraged.
• The Government should encourage research and development activities in co-ordination with research & development organizations and academia including joint projects, workshops, seminars, and conferences as required to improve the collaboration on particular research themes.
• The Government should also involve research and academic organizations in resource evaluation of minerals in the areas reserved for auction.
• The Government should also assist in sustainability of the research and development organizations through collaboration / joint ventures with Government or any other any other private firms or corporate sector as per approved consultancy policy of the NCEG.
• The exploration related challenges including provision of security and overcoming local resistance to mining activities may be addressed to boost the sector.
• The National Mineral & Water Policies may be implemented to ensure sustainable development of mines and minerals and to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and water shortage.
• There may be specialized financial packages including incentives and loans can be extended to minerals sector investors for mechanized mining.

9. Takeaways

The Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Industries, Trade & Investment, Mr. Abdul Karim Khan appreciated the organizers for successfully conducting the conference. He also acknowledged the participation of international and national participants for their interest and contribution to the promotion of geo sciences in Pakistan. In his key note address, the following points were highlighted:

• The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is working on several development initiatives including the Peshawar - D.I Khan Motorway to be undertaken on public-private mode, development of new economic zones and introduction of new industrial estates to boost economic growth
• The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is offering interest-free financial assistance for capacity enhancement and working capital to the SMEs through the Bank of Khyber for which PKR 25 billion have been specifically allocated
• The mines and minerals development remains one of the priority sectors for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and KP-BOIT as well as KPEZDMC are working with the relevant departments and stakeholders to promote investment and trade in this sector
• The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also lays strong emphasis on building stronger linkages between the public and private sector to improve technologies, practices and initiatives for the promotion of mines and minerals sector in the province
• The promotion of science and technology education such as earth sciences can become the catalyst to capitalize on the natural resource endowments of the province, which can substantially contribute to the economic and social development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• The mobilization of resources by leveraging our local endowments like mines and minerals in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has the potential to improve livelihoods, generate investments and foster economic development
• The Government of KP has taken serious measures to promote industrialization and the KP Industrial Policy 2020 is an evident proof.
• KP Government is not only striving to welcome foreign investments in large scale mining but is also working towards incentivizing local investments and how local communities can benefit in terms of job opportunities, FDI and Corporate Social Responsibility by corporations.