10 major types of natural resources found in

Pakistan

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WRITTEN BY

Marriyum Latif
March 11, 2016
3 minutes read
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A countrys natural resources play a vital role in its social and economic development, the basic
resources are primarily minerals, water, land, and forest, upon which a country depends for its
survival. Pakistan is one of the resource rich countries in the world having a huge amount of
coal, gas, gemstones, copper, and gold reserves. The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation
is basically the responsible authority for the support and growth of the mining industry.
Gemstones Corporation of Pakistan Limited looks after the interests of stakeholders in gemstone
mining and polishing as a formal entity. Every province in Pakistan has its own unique resource
richness, just like Baluchistan is the richest province in terms of mineral resources available in
Pakistan. While in recent times, Sindh discovered coal deposits in Thar. Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa
is enriched in terms of gems and most of the mineral gems that are found in Pakistan are present
in this area.

Ten major types of natural resources present in Pakistan are further on explained below:

1) Coal
Pakistan has worlds second largest coal deposits of about 185 billion tons. These are calculated
to be equal to 618 billion barrels of raw oil, which is more than twice if compared to oil reserves
in Saudi Arabia.

2) Water
Pakistan is blessed with the mighty Indus River and its tributaries, which bring in approx 138
million acre-feet (MAF) of water per year. The Indus River alone provides 65% of the water
while the share of Jhelum and Chenab is 17% and 19% respectively.

3) Oil
Pakistan has more than 436.2 million barrels of oil, according to CIA World Fact Book. The
current oil production is 65,997 barrels per day.

4) Mineral Salt
Khewra Salt Mines are among the worlds oldest and largest salt mines. Khewra salt mine has
estimated the total of 220 million tons of rock salt deposits. The present production from the
mine is 325,000 tons salt per annum.

Do you know: According to CIA The world fact book, Arable land, extensive natural gas
reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt and limestone are the
Pakistan's most prominent natural resources (Source: CIA)

5) Gas
Pakistan has 31.3 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. 282 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas
reserves in the country which has not been explored due to lack of vision and flawed policies.

6) Other Minerals
Real Gold + Copper + Silver ore from Sandak near Pak/Iran Bosrder

Pakistan has large gold and copper ore deposits at Saindak. Large deposits of rock salt are
present in the Pothohar Plateau. Pakistans mineral resources include reserves of gypsum,
limestone, chromites, iron ore, rock salt, silver, precious stones, gems, marbles, tiles, sulfur, fire
clay, and silica sand.

7) Iron Ore
Iron ore is found in various regions of Pakistan including Nokundi, Chinot, and the largest one in
Kalabagh Harripur and other Northern Areas.

8) Fishing
The fishing industry plays an important role in the national economy of Pakistan. The coastline is
814 km and fishery resources still have room to grow. Fishing in Pakistan is a major source of
export earnings.

9) Animal Husbandry
Being an agricultural country, Pakistan possesses tremendous scope of animal husbandry.
Pakistans breeds of cow like Sahiwal cow are the best breeds of the world.

10) Gemstones
AFP PHOTO/HASHAM AHMED

Also known as semi-precious stones or gems, these are minerals widely used in jewelry and for
ornamental purposes. Northern and Western regions of Pakistan are rich in high-quality
gemstones.