Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), located in the northwestern region of Pakistan, is endowed with a wealth of mineral resources. The province is home to over 52 types of minerals, including precious and semi-precious stones, industrial minerals, and energy resources such as coal, soapstone, limestone, chromite, graphite, gypsum, phosphate, granite, and silica sand. These diverse geological assets make KP one of the most mineral-rich provinces in Pakistan. The province’s varied mineral landscape harbors significant deposits that have long been recognised as vital economic assets, contributing to regional development and livelihoods. Among the notable mining areas are Dara Adam Khel, known for its rich coal reserves; Kurram District, a source of soapstone and limestone; and the Malakand Region, home to various mineral deposits. The Swat Valley, though renowned for its gemstones, also contains abundant limestone and marble deposits. These mineral resources are crucial for KP’s economy, supplying both domestic industries and international markets.
After receiving thoughtful feedback on my previous article on the environmental impact of mining, I realised the need to fill in some critical gaps and provide a more comprehensive perspective. This article aims to address those gaps, appraise readers of the often-overlooked realities, and shed light on the shortcomings in policy implementation. The current approach to mining in KP lacks the essential element of sustainability, reflecting a broader trend of blind development that disregards long-term environmental and social consequences.
Mining activities in KP significantly contribute to the provincial economy. The sector provides employment opportunities, supports infrastructure development, and aids in revenue generation. The industrial stone sector alone is a multi-billion rupee industry, with products highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. Similarly, coal mining in Dara Adam Khel supports various industries, including energy production and brick kilns. Despite these economic gains, mining practices are often unregulated and unsustainable, leading to severe environmental disturbances and public health challenges.
By adopting scientifically sound and regulated approaches, we can reduce the ecological footprint while still benefiting from the province’s rich mineral resources
One tragic reminder of the sector’s hazards occurred in 2020, when a massive landslide in the mining area of Mohmand District claimed at least 18 lives. The incident exposed the glaring safety lapses in mining practices, as unregulated blasting and improper excavation techniques led to the collapse of a large section of the mine. Despite such tragedies, little has changed in terms of safety standards and regulatory oversight, reflecting a broader disregard for miners’ welfare and environmental integrity.
The environmental repercussions extend beyond immediate hazards. Studies have revealed that processing units, especially in areas like Tehsil Shabqadar, discharge untreated effluents into water bodies, significantly degrading water quality. These effluents increase turbidity, alter pH levels, and introduce heavy metals into the ecosystem, posing risks to aquatic life and agriculture. The combination of dust, wastewater, and noise pollution from mining activities has severely compromised local ecosystems, threatening both biodiversity and public health.
One of the primary environmental issues arises from the uneven excavation of sand, gravel, and earth from rainwater pass-by channels known as Khwars. These channels, naturally designed for water passage, become deep ditches due to haphazard digging, disrupting water flow and creating hazardous terrains. This results in the loss of vegetative cover as the removal of surface soil reduces natural greenery, leading to habitat loss and increased runoff. Consequently, the risk of waterlogging and flash floods escalates. The altered topography also negatively affects fisheries, as the transformation of Khwars into uneven, polluted terrains renders them unsuitable for aquatic life. The installation of crushing machines near these areas further exacerbates the problem by dispersing fine dust into the air, significantly degrading air quality and accelerating soil erosion.
Industrial stone mining, in particular, poses distinct environmental challenges. The common practice of blasting to excavate stone is problematic for several reasons. Blasting not only damages valuable reserves, resulting in substantial wastage, but also generates fine dust particles and intense noise. These dust emissions, laden with silica and other harmful substances, pose significant respiratory health risks to the local population. Simultaneously, the noise from blasting and machinery can exceed safe levels, contributing to hearing impairments and mental stress among residents. Excessive dust settling on plants impairs photosynthesis, weakening plant health and threatening local biodiversity. The shockwaves from blasting also disturb wildlife, reducing habitat quality and displacing some species.
Water contamination is another pressing concern. Mining runoff, often carrying chemical residues and sediment, pollutes nearby streams and groundwater sources. The unregulated discharge of wastewater from processing plants further deteriorates water quality, endangering aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks to communities dependent on these water sources. Additionally, land degradation is a common consequence of mining activities. In regions where soapstone, limestone, and industrial stones are extracted, abandoned pits and uneven landscapes become prevalent. These degraded lands not only mar the natural beauty but also pose safety hazards, especially for local inhabitants and livestock. In many cases, agricultural productivity is adversely affected as soil quality deteriorates, leaving the land infertile and unsuitable for cultivation.
The socio-economic implications of mining are equally concerning. The environmental impacts directly affect human health, particularly among communities living near mining sites. Respiratory diseases, hearing problems, and stress-related ailments are common. Factories processing mined materials are often located near residential areas. In Peshawar, for example, processing factories along Warsak Road are situated alarmingly close to neighborhoods and schools, exposing residents, including schoolchildren, to persistent dust and noise pollution. Despite repeated calls for relocation to Marble City Mohmand, influential factory owners continue to operate within city limits, prioritising economic gain over community welfare and health.
In an attempt to modernise the mining sector and attract investment, the KP government introduced the Mines and Minerals Bill in 2025. However, this legislative effort has faced criticism for lacking clear environmental safeguards and adequate provisions for community rights. Experts argue that the bill, while ambitious, fails to address the core issues of environmental degradation and the human cost associated with unchecked mining.
Addressing these environmental challenges requires a multifaceted approach that balances economic benefits with ecological preservation. Strict enforcement of mining regulations is essential to mitigate environmental damage, particularly by controlling blasting, excavation, and waste management. Promoting safe excavation techniques, such as using modern cutting machinery instead of blasting, can significantly reduce dust and noise. Moving processing units to designated economic zones, like Marble City Mohmand, would alleviate the pressure on residential areas and help manage pollution more effectively. Furthermore, restoring degraded sites through reforestation and land rehabilitation can help reclaim mined areas, while community involvement in monitoring mining practices ensures accountability. Regular health assessments and community awareness programs are also vital to mitigate the long-term health impacts associated with mining activities.
While mining continues to play a pivotal role in KP’s economy, it is imperative to address its environmental and social impacts through sustainable practices. By adopting scientifically sound and regulated approaches, we can reduce the ecological footprint while still benefiting from the province’s rich mineral resources. A collaborative effort between the government, mining companies, and local communities is essential to foster responsible mining practices that safeguard both the environment and public health, ensuring a balanced approach to regional development.
This article not only aims to bridge the gaps identified from previous feedback but also calls for a more progressive mindset that prioritises sustainability over unchecked industrial expansion. By acknowledging the deficiencies in current policies and practices, we can move toward more thoughtful and responsible mining practices that truly benefit both the economy and the environment.