Initiatives & Acheivements

A brief detail of initiatives/ achievements already taken under the present dispensation for Good Governance is given as follows:

1. Mines & Minerals remained the best performing Department w.r.t achievement of revenue targets

• Mines & Minerals Department, was assigned a non-tax revenue receipt target of Rs.12 billion for the financial year 2022-23, against which the department has been able to achieve Rs.14.89 billion i.e. Rs. 2.89 billions or 24% over and above the original assigned target. This is the best performance in this category by any Department in Punjab.   
• This feat has been achieved despite the overall slowdown in economy, less   consumption of mineral based construction materials and other numerous impediments created by unscrupulous elements. 
• The department is now fully geared to collect double Revenue than previous year (100% more) in accordance with Revenue Plan already submitted to the Chief Minister, Punjab, provided necessary support is extended by the Government and legal pitfalls are overcome.

2. Prepared Revenue Generation Plan to increase Revenue up-to Rs. 250 billions in next three years

• As an ingenious initiative, realizing the sublime responsibility to increase revenue, a detailed Revenue Generation Plan has been prepared in consultation with Attached Departments 
• Implementation on the Revenue General Plan through Weekly Reports and daily monitoring is already underway
• This will help realize full potential of Mines & Minerals sector for the overall socio-economic improvement of the citizens.

3. De-Notification of Skewed Rock Salt Policies

• 56 persons/ entities had been doled out approx. 100,000 acres of the precious Himalayan Rock Salt, illegally, in contravention of the Terms & Conditions already accepted by the lessees themselves, to provide undue windfall benefits to individuals, without any open auction.
• The said Rock Salt policy which had legalized the reckless largesse in flagrant violation of the Rules and the principles of propriety, have been de-notified by the Caretaker Government.
• Now, all those who did not comply with the Terms & Conditions would be issued show-cause notices and leases would be cancelled as per Rules. 
• This action of incumbent Government might result in realization optimum share from the global exports of Pink Rock Salt worth more than 13 billion dollars in next 3-5 years.
• Benefits worth hundreds of billions of rupees are expected to the economy as a whole due to value addition, export potential, industrialization, employment generation and full exploitation of the precious resources.
• If auction is held on open competition basis, after cancellation of those leases which did not follow Terms & Conditions, and after exploration studies, an amount around more than Rs 100 billion might be received by the exchequer as bid money alone. Government has been requested to allow open auction and reservation of some areas for foreign investment. But, a stay order by the Hon’ble Court has blocked further progress. Civil Miscellaneous petition are being regularly filed for fixation of case and to get the stay vacated.

4. Submitted Proposal to SIFC for ban on Export & Geographical Indication (GI) of Raw Pink Rock Salt

• Presently, edible raw Pink Salt is being sold by the lessees for around 15-20$ per ton (1000 Kgs) whereas, in foreign markets/ stores 1 Kg fetches more than 10$. 
• Hence, proposal has been submitted for ban on export of, and GI for, Raw Pink Rock Salt 

• To ensure value added export of precious Pink Rock Salt
• To earn top dollar instead of selling Pink Salt a dozen a dime to other nations
• To encourage investors to install Pink Rock Salt Industry
• To shift Pink Rock Salt related industry to Punjab from abroad
• To earn full potential of 13 Billion $ in next 3-5 years instead of earning just few million dollars from export of Pink Rock Salt. 

5. Open Auction instead of doling out leases on application basis

• Some minerals were being granted through applications instead of open auction
• Applications for grant of prospecting licenses were pending since the year 2001
• Grant of some minerals through applications involved discretion & malpractices 
• An Order has been issued as per Rules by the incumbent administrative Secretary and stopped all awards of contracts through applications and, instead, started awarding contracts through Open Competitions to the highest bidder only
• By this action, around 1040 different cases for different mineral bearing areas, which were lying idle for decades will be put into open auctions, injecting billions of rupees in the economy directly and indirectly, depending upon the bids received.

6. Zero Tolerance against Corruption & Corrupt Practices

• Removed officers from key posts and proceedings initiated against them as proofs of grave violations were received
• Absolute Zero tolerance for “Commissions” and corruption was ensured
• Proceedings for Dismissal from Service is ensured if any proof of corruption is provided
• Dozens of Writ Petitions filed by criminals and monopolists to create impediments against change in culture of the Department.

7. Stoppage of illegal Mining and Feasibility Study of Placer Gold Deposits in River Indus Attock

• Incumbent government took extra-ordinary steps and prepared strategy to stop illegal mining of Placer Gold deposits in River Indus, District Attock.
• Resultantly, for the first time in history theft of Placer Gold was completely stopped
• Conducted feasibility of Placer Gold through Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP)
• Blocks/zones for excavation of Placer Gold are being prepared for the first time in Punjab
• Consequently, Open Auctions will ensue earning billions of rupees of bid money and yearly payment of royalty.

8. All Court Cases instituted in the Court of Secretary Mines & Minerals before 31st December, 2023 stand disposed off. 

• Secretary Mines & Minerals acts as the final Revisional/ Appellate Authority
• Timely disposal of court cases instituted in his court boosts investor confidence
• System has been developed to dispose off all cases within minimum time possible instead of sleeping over the issues and avoiding taking decisions.
• 173 old Cases (from the year 2010 to 2023) disposed off on merits
• There is now Zero Pendency as on 01.01.2024 which is an unprecedented achievement.

9. Study of  Koh-e-Suleman Range, DG. Khan

• Feasibility study for Potential Evaluation of minerals in Koh-e-Suleman Range, D.G. Khan, Division is being done to include new areas for future auctions
• Objective is to delineate potential zones and resource estimation for auction through open bidding
• After completion of Resource Estimation study, Blocks/zones will be auctioned through Open Auction  earning billions of rupees of bid money and yearly payment of royalty

10. Work on New Deposits of Rock Salt and Limestone

• Work on realization of full potential of the following was started:
  • 27 new areas of Rock Salt mineral in salt range
  • Around 10,000 acres free area bearing limestone deposits
  • After necessary ground work the areas will be put up in open auction and billions of rupees will be generated from these areas in future

11. Transformation of PUNJMIN from loss making to profitable corporation & Performance Review of PMC

• PUNJMIN (Punjab mineral development corporation) is the Public sector mining enterprise in Punjab.
• PUNJMIN, as most of the public sector enterprises, was in loss in the past 
• Due to Performance Review by the Department and keen interest of Minister of Mines, PUNJMIN became a profitable organization (earned Rs. 460 millions profit) in financial year 2023-24.
• Moreover, for the first time started returning loan obtained from the Government around 48 years ago.
• Performance Review of Punjab Minerals Company Pvt. Ltd. (PMC) done and conveyed for rectifications.

12. Introduction of Safe Mining Practices

• Safe mining is our priority and safety first is our slogan. 
• Following major steps have been taken to ensure safe mining practices:
  • Detailed business process issued for real time online monitoring
  • Effectively established android based online monitoring system
  • Strict actions taken against the delinquent officers. 
  • Updated Rescue and safety stations as per international standards
  • Consequently,  accidents  ratio  declined significantly and incidents of deaths reduced from 46 in 2022 to 37 in 2023 despite increase in number of mines from 2700 in 2022 to more than 3100 in 2023. 

13. Welfare of Mine Labour and their families

• Welfare of mine labour remained a major objective for Minster of Mines who introduced new concept of real time welfare of mine workers and their families. 
• Also working on the directives of Minister Mines on:

• quality and health services education for mine worker families in best institutions
• floating new welfare proposals with the collaboration of top NGOs of Pakistan

14. Established Helpline for Workers- a First Time Initiative

• For Swift resolution of complaints
•  The helpline receives complaints w.r.t the following:

• Admissions in MLW Schools 
• Information about Rescue Stations (Inspectorate of Mines, Punjab)
• MLW Hospitals / Dispensaries
• Welfare Facilities
• Grants, compensation, Relief packages & wages
• Excise duty auctions 

15. Tagging of Mining Workers- a First Time Initiative

• Established Mine Labour Management Information System (MLMIS)
• 35986 mine workers registered 
• Unique tag numbers issued to each registered mine worker for the first time
• For transparent utilization of welfare facilities
• Real Time monitoring of workers
• Ease of Inquiry in case of mine accidents
• Timely payment of compensation and other relief packages  

16. Functionalized the first version of online Mineral Cadaster System 

• For Real time visualization of location in any mining concession 
• Database for areas granted & vacant for exploration or mining on GIS
• Mineral wise concession, district/ division wise data.
• Type of license granted, start and end dates of contracts etc
• Live monitoring of Receipts and arrears
• Royalty Contract Dashboard
• Unauthorized mining Dashboard for DMMCs
• Online submission of applications and fees etc
• Online submission of production returns under Large Scale Mining
• Teething problems shall be removed by 30th June, 2024.

17. Real Time Inspections Reporting and Monitoring of DG Offices 

• For digitization of inspection data
• Real time excess to Mines Data and effective monitoring of Inspecting Officers 
• Digitization of Official activities 
• Online Digital inspection reports
• Enhanced safety, conducive working
• Equipped inspecting officers with latest scientific gadgets 
• Monitoring of inspection by Admin Department

18. Digitization of Working & real Time Monitoring of Inspectorate of Mines Offices

• To curb Dangerous / Unscientific Mining to Improve Ecology and Save Human Lives
• To inspect Mines on Android Tablets (Mines Inspection Module)
• Application For Field Officers To digitize the inspection Regime
• Record: time, location, coordinates etc.
• To ensure that provision of Mines Act, 1923 are being implemented by the leaseholders.
• Overall Inspectors Grading Module and Tour Roster Module 

19. Beefing Up Rescue Measures

• Establishment of Mines Rescue & Safety Sub-Stations at Nali Arara, District Khushab & Tilla Jogia, District Jhelum through new ADP
• Extension/ rehabilitation of Mines Rescue & Safety Stations of Chief Inspectorate of Mines, Punjab at District Khushab, Chakwal & Mianwali through ongoing ADP
• Provision of Rescue Bikes, Trackers on Rescue Vehicles, UAN etc. through new A

20. Reduction of emergency response time of mines rescue and safety stations

• The reduction of emergency response time of rescue and safety stations from eight minutes to four minutes is a big milestone in mining rescue sector. The response time has been reduced by adopting international practices .
• The reduction of emergency response time will definitely help to provide timely first aid and recovery to trapped and injured workers in underground mines during emergencies.
• The reduction of emergency response time will help save precious life of mine workers

21. Infrastructure Development to Ensure Better Working Conditions and Boost Local and Foreign Investor Confidence

• Overall 10 schemes have been completed in the financial year 2022-23 for the welfare of Mining Labor. 
• Schemes will benefit around 20000 mining labor.
• 13 more Labor welfare schemes are underway at a cost of around Rs 800 Million. 
• Those scheme will benefit around 50000 mining laborers.
• These schemes will increase investor confidence and will ultimately enhance revenue generation for the department.

• Saving of approximately Rs. 100 million per annum in terms of rent of buildings.
• Construction of Field Offices/ residences of Mines Labour Welfare Commissioner, CIM, DG MMD in process
• Construction of Office of Mines Labor Welfare Commissioner and Chief Inspector of Mines at Johar Town, Lahore in process
• Provision of Machinery & Equipment, Furniture & Fixture and Vehicles for Chief Inspectorate of Mines and DG Offices through new ADP
• Initiated Solarization of Institutions and Field Offices of Inspectorate of Mines, Punjab through new ADP

22. Identification & Approval of New sand Zones in last 02 Months

• 36 Number of new blocks/zones formulated
• To break regional monopolies 
• To provide more avenues for investment
• Increase competition
• Increase revenue
• Target of creation of 150 new zones within three months
• The process is now fully geared up and shall continue unabated

23. Establishment of District Mines & Minerals Committees (DMMC's) in all Districts of Punjab-a first time initiative

• After observing non-cooperation of the Administration & Police regarding unauthorized mineral excavation, the issue was brought to the knowledge of the Chief Minister & Chief Secretary, Punjab. 
• In response, the Chief Secretary approved constitution of the District Mines & Minerals Committees (DMMC's), with the Deputy Commissioner of each district serving as the chairperson. 
• The primary objective of these Committees is to combat and eradicate illegal mining, stopping theft of valuable minerals, recovery of outstanding government dues & attract foreign investment. 
• Quarterly Reports are submitted to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary to ensure accountability and effective monitoring. 

24. Formulation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Proforma & Monthly Review- a First Time Initiative

• Administrative Department has developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) /Performance Report Performa for field officers
• KPIs will help monitor  performance of the officers w.r.t. revenue generation plan and other core duties
• Resulted in Increased revenue generation and realizing full potential of the sector
• A sense of responsibility and competition has developed among the officers
• Transfer/ postings on the basis of KPIs

25. Punitive Actions against theft of minerals in last 03 months (after formulation of KPIs & establishment of DMMCs)

26. Extensive awareness campaign for information dissemination, facilitation and attracting new investors- a First Time initiative

• 2500 Social Media Posts/ Interviews to attract new investment and break monopolies
• 75 Electronic Media News/ Interviews
• 250 Meetings/ Conferences/ Exhibitions
• 80 Kinds of Brochure Distributed
• 50 Social Media Influencers Registered

27. Issued and Implemented SOPs for Stoppage of Unauthorized Mining / Theft of Minerals- a First Time Initiative

• No SOPs were delineated for the processes involved in stoppage of theft of minerals
• Ineffectual actions were being taken for detection of, and imposing penalties for, unauthorized mining due to which the accused of the offence got exonerated, resulting in loss to Government exchequer. 
• In order to shun such culpable corrupt practices, SOPs have been devised and directions have been issued for strict compliance.
• Effective stoppage of unauthorized mining of minerals has resulted in healthy bids against vacant blocks/ zones.
• Investor confidence increased, new investors entered the market and offered bids which enhanced revenue of the Department

28. Issued and Implemented SOPs regarding Post Auction offers- a First Time Initiative

• Instances were observed where competitive/ healthy bids are not received on first date of auction, resulting in potential loss to the public exchequer 
• Scheduling multiple auctions on the same day in different districts prohibited serious investors in submission of bids
• Resultantly, a number of complaints were being received 
• Therefore, detailed SOPs issued w.r.t. post-auction offers complying with essentially required safety checks
• This approach aligns with the best interest of the public exchequer and shall maximize the revenue for the department

29. Issued and Implemented SOPs/ orders to stop illegal refund of bid monies and securities to contractors- a First Time Initiative 

• It was observed that in many cases the securities of the leaseholders were released & bid monies refunded by the departmental authorities illegally
• Due to these irregular/ illegal decisions, heavy losses were incurred by the exchequer
• To stop this hemorrhage in future, detailed SOPs / directions have been issued
• Issuance of detailed SOPs will ensure that bid monies and securities are not refunded to the contractor in an arbitrary, whimsical and illegal manner
• Resulted in effective stoppage of loss to public exchequer

30. Issued and Implemented SOPs to ensure Fair and Transparent auctions- a First Time Initiative

• To conduct open auctions for grant of a variety of contracts & mineral lease agreements is one of the major duties of the department
• Fairness & Transparency are the core principles of high-quality open auctions
• In order to ensure best practices in auction proceedings, detailed SOPs have been issued for strict compliance
• Investor confidence increased, new investors enter the market and offer bids which enhances revenue of the Department.

31. Issued and Implemented SOPs to ensure Safe and Scientific Mining - a First Time Initiative

• It was observed that unsafe and dangerous mining continued unabated
• In order to ensure scientific and safe mining, detailed SOPs/guidelines were issued and ensured implementation through online reporting mechanism
• Resulted in reduction in mining accidents
• Stoppage of loss of precious lives of mines workers- Deaths Reduced 38%
• Will boost Investor confidence

32. Issued and Implemented SOPs for Effective Court cases management- a First Time Initiative

• Mines and Minerals Department was marred with huge number of court cases 
• In order to streamline the management of court cases detailed SOPs have been developed and implemented
• Weekly monitoring is done every Friday
• Out of total approx. 260 cases, parawise comments are not pending in a single case which is quite extra-ordinary. 
• Resulted in Good Governance & boosted investor confidence

33. Mega Investment Proposals Through Punjab Mineral Company

• A proposal for Saudi Company, Maa’dan, has been shared worth $ 1.3 billion for establishment of a Steel Mill in district Chiniot
• International level feasibility, resource estimations report, business processes
• This project will be very useful for import substitution, ensuring best utilization of the 267 million tons of iron ore
• Interactions in process with FWO / FFC/ others for utilization of iron ore resources

34. Recovery of old outstanding Dues from Influential Circles- a First Time Initiative

• Matter of recovery of Rs. 4 billion unauthorized mining of Limestone in Margalla hills has been taken up after more than a decade.
• Matter of recovery of approximately Rs 1.4 billion on account of unauthorized mining of Rock Salt by PMDC has been taken up after a decade
• Matter of recovery of approximately Rs 1.7 billions from Large Scale mining lease holders regarding late payments of royalty has been taken up after a decade 
• Detailed Speaking Orders issued in above cases involving big players

35. Improvements in Laws/ Rules/ Policies

• Initiation of Provincialization of Excise Duty Act and further amendments to increase the outrageously low excise duty rate i.e. Rs. 5 per ton for all minerals including Gold and precious stones
• This will also increase revenue worth at least Rs 05 billion per annum
• Comprehensive amendments in Punjab Mining Concession Rules 2002 are being prepared to make the rules more elaborate, transparent, competitive and investment friendly
• Policies for grant of different minerals are being reviewed to ensure equal opportunities for all and in favor of public exchequer

36. Human Resource Rationalization

• Rationalization is important to exclude ghost, useless posts and replacing with useful, skilful and technical employees
• An exercise for removal of redundancies, duplications, rationalization of HR has been done. 
• 100 Number of posts abolished
• 17 Number of posts re-designated

37. E-FOAS (Files/ Dak Management System)

• A flagship initiative of Chief Secretary, Punjab towards digitization
• All 4200 files have been scanned & moved onto the E- FOAS platform
• Remarkable achievement in transition to E-FOAS is the scanning and management of 7109 letters and PUCs
• Internal movement on E-FOAS, Attached Departments in process
• Movement of Summaries/Notes through E-FOAS and handled 43 Summaries / Notes till to-date

38. Weekly Pendency Review every Friday

• Weekly Review is done, inter alia, regarding the following:
  • Court Cases pending in different courts
  • Development Schemes review
  • References received from different forums
  • Inspection schedules and targets
  • Review of IT initiatives
  • Pending NOCs
  • Enquiries, pension cases etc

39. Ensured Field/ Schemes Monitoring & Random Inspections through a dedicated Team of Secretariat Officers 

• A dedicated team of Administrative Department is now paying surprise visits to field offices
• To effectively check theft of minerals
• Constant check on field offices
• Submission of inspection reports by attached departments with photographs
• Uploading of progress on SMDP
• More sudden inspections by Secretary Mines & Minerals and other senior officers to check theft, under-reporting, Royalty receipts collection etc. 

40. Working on E-Auction of Mining Leases

• Transitioning to electronic auctions for mining concessions to enhance transparency, competitiveness and revenue collection and curb “pooling” by contractors
• Initial work completed in collaboration with PITB 
• Rules being reviewed
• Dummy e-auctions will start soon to remove teething problems

Removal of teething problems in fair and user friendly process of e-auction for the stakeholders before 30^th June, 2024