KP CM Gandapur defends proposed tweaks to Mines, Minerals Act

• Tweaks part of reform strategy to uplift the minerals sector: KP CM.
• Gandapur vows to not compromise on KP's tolerate interference. 
• Assures of detailed discussion on proposed amendments to the law.
  

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has categorically refuted reports, terming them as baseless propaganda, suggesting that amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act were meant for surrendering the provincial authority to another entity, The News reported on Wednesday.

"The powers of the province cannot and will not be surrendered," CM Gandapur said in a video statement adding that such claims were false, fabricated, and appeared to be driven by personal vendettas.

The chief minister further stressed that the proposed amendments were part of his government’s broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the minerals sector.

"Vested interests are misrepresenting these reforms for their own benefit," he said.

Highlighting the progress towards improving the policies, the provincial chief executive said: "For the first time in 76 years, we successfully auctioned four placer gold mining sites through a transparent process, generating Rs 5 billion for the province".

Noting that revenue generated from just these four sites exceeded the total annual earnings of the Minerals Department in previous years, the CM reaffirmed his commitment to financial self-sufficiency through continued reforms and stricter measures against illegal mining.

"Exporting raw minerals does not benefit our industries, generate jobs, or increase revenue," he said.

Meanwhile, Adviser to KP CM on Information Barrister Saif has also complained of a mafia being active against the proposed changes to the relevant law.

"The CM wants to free the minerals sector from the clutches of the mafia," Saif said in a statement on Wednesday.

Noting that the mafia was trying to sabotage the CM Gandapur's reform agenda, the adviser said that how could they surrender their rights to the federal government if they didn't recognise it in the first place.

"The proposed amendments in the Mines and Minerals Act are no secret [....] The purpose of the proposed amendments is to make the minerals sector strong and profitable," Saif said, adding that opposition's opinion will also be taken into account in the assembly.

What are proposed changes to law?

It is to be noted that as per the CM, the proposed legal framework, equipment used in illegal mining operations will be confiscated.

To encourage local investment, the government plans to offer extended lease periods to investors who establish value addition facilities within the province. On the other hand, leaseholders who delay the start of mining operations will face reduced timelines to discourage speculative holding of mineral rights.

As part of the structural reforms, the chief minister announced that the authority for granting mining leases, previously held solely by the director general, will now be vested in a multi-member committee comprising officials from relevant departments, thereby ensuring greater transparency.

"These amendments are part of a comprehensive reform strategy to uplift the minerals sector,” Gandapur said. "Claims about transferring control over provincial resources are nothing more than propaganda," he added.

He reiterated his government’s resolve to defend the province’s rights, including those related to National Finance Commission shares, net hydel profits, funds for merged districts, and the tobacco cess.

Appealing to the public not to be misled by misinformation, Gandapur stated: "This is our land, and we will not compromise on its interests or allow interference in our authority."

He welcomed constructive criticism and open debate. "If anyone has concerns, they are free to review the relevant records. The amendments have only been introduced in the assembly and will undergo detailed discussion involving both the government and the opposition," he said.

He dismissed allegations of relinquishing provincial control as completely unfounded, saying that those spreading such propaganda were neither sincere to the people nor to the province.