ISLAMABAD, 31 MAY (DNA) — The government has planned a Rs979.621 million project for the establishment of a mineral resource centre, analytical laboratory, and mineral detection facility at the PCSIR Labs, Peshawar to promote mineral exploration, value addition and exports.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project will be executed by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology during 2026-2028, said a press release. The proposed facility aims to strengthen mineral processing and analytical capabilities through modern scientific technologies and advanced laboratory infrastructure.
The project scope includes ore beneficiation, analytical services, mineral identification and detection, geological surveys of local ores, and minerals extraction and processing technologies. According to the document, the key technologies to be installed include Optical Emission Spectrometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, XRF, and X-Ray Diffraction systems to ensure accurate mineral analysis and testing.
The project is expected to improve indigenous technological capabilities, encourage value addition in mineral products, enhance exploration activities, and support import substitution in the mineral sector.The facility is also aimed at helping local industries in product design, development, and mineral-based manufacturing to enhance Pakistan’s export potential.
Experts believe the project could play an important role in modernizing mineral research infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and attracting future investment in the mining and industrial sectors.— DNA
