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Environmental impact of mining industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan

. Shahid Ali, Turab Khan Jadoon, Abdul Sattar, Shahid khan, Janan Khan Jafar, Ahmad Kamal, Lt. Col Ijaz Ahmed & Arz Muhammad


Abstract

The mining industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan has been a vital driver of economic growth, but its environmental impact has raised significant concerns. This comprehensive research study on existing studies on the environmental consequences of mining in these regions, reveals the intricate relationship between resource extraction and ecological equilibrium. While coal mining in Balochistan stands as a historical pillar of economic activity, it has come at the cost of pollution, soil degradation, and ecosystem disruption. Similarly, gemstone mining in areas like Swat Valley presents unique environmental considerations. The echoes of chromite mining's impact reverberate across KP and Balochistan, while riverbed and terrace mining in the upper Indus Basin also face scrutiny. Beyond the regional scope, global and South Asian implications of mining and smelting are explored. The research highlights the need for sustainable practices, robust impact assessments, and restoration efforts to harmonize mining with the environment. The study focuses on evaluating environmental degradation caused by mining operations, resource depletion, and regulatory gaps in KP and Balochistan. By examining the complex interplay between economic growth and ecological preservation, the research aims to propose sustainable solutions to mitigate mining's negative impact on the environment. The study's geographic focus covers KP and Balochistan, where mining has contributed significantly to economic growth. These regions grapple with striking a balance between economic benefits and environmental sustainability. The methodology involves exploratory research through interviews with key stakeholders, along with the analysis of primary and secondary data. This approach provides insights into current mining policies, their environmental implications, and regulatory gaps. The research findings underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced monitoring and enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable mining practices. Balancing the interests of stakeholders is essential to achieve sustainable development, ensuring economic growth while safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.

Keywords: Minning Industry, Environmental Impact, Sustainability, Pollution, Impact Assessment, Restoration Efforts.

 

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