Minerals Resources of Sindh

MINERALS RESOURCES FOUND IN SINDH
Exploring Sindh’s Hidden Treasures: A Look at Its Mineral Wealth

EXPLORING SINDH’S HIDDEN
TREASURES
Sindh, a province in Pakistan, holds a wealth of

mineral resources waiting to be unearthed. From
the vast Thar Desert concealing coal and lignite
reserves to the unique geology shaped by
diverse mountain ranges, fertile plains, and arid
deserts, Sindh’s geological history spans millions
of years. These gems, metals, and industrial
minerals—that contribute to both local
livelihoods and the nation’s economy.
Pakistan’s Thar coalfield, nestled within the Thar
Desert in Sindh province, holds immense promise.
Discovered in 1991, it ranks 16th globally in
terms of coal reserves. The primary type of coal
found here is lignite (or brown coal), characterized
by its relatively low heat content and high
moisture. Thar coalfield covers over 9,000 square
kilometers, harboring approximately 200 billion
tonnes of lignite—enough to meet the country’s
fuel needs for centuries. Notably, Thar Block-II
alone can generate 5,000 MW of electricity for 50
years, while the total Thar reserves could
coal sustain 100,000 MW for over two centuries.
Despite environmental concerns, coal remains
crucial for power generation in Pakistan, especially
as natural gas prices rise. Responsible mining
practices and a gradual transition to cleaner
energy sources are essential for balancing energy
security and environmental well-being.
In Sindh, limestone is found primarily in
the regions of Karachi, Hyderabad, and the
Thar Desert area. This sedimentary rock,
rich in calcium carbonate, plays a crucial
role in the local economy, particularly in
the construction industry as a key
ingredient in cement manufacturing and
as an aggregate for concrete. Sindh’s
limestone reserves are also utilized in
various industrial applications, including
the production of lime for use in
Limestone steelmaking, water treatment, and
agriculture. The availability of high-quality
limestone contributes to the development
of infrastructure projects in the region,
although sustainable mining practices are
essential to mitigate environmental
impacts.
In Sindh, gypsum is predominantly found in
the areas surrounding Karachi and
Hyderabad. This soft sulfate mineral is
primarily composed of calcium sulfate
dihydrate and is widely used in various
industries. One of its main applications is in
the production of cement, where it serves as
a set retarder. Additionally, gypsum is utilized
in the manufacture of plaster, drywall, and
agricultural products, improving soil quality
and enhancing crop yields. The abundant
Gypsum gypsum reserves in Sindh support both local
construction projects and exports. However,
responsible mining practices are crucial to
minimize environmental impacts and ensure
the sustainable extraction of this valuable
resource.
In Sindh, granite deposits are primarily
located in the Makran region and near
Karachi. This durable igneous rock is
renowned for its strength and aesthetic
appeal, making it a popular choice in
construction and decorative applications.
Granite is widely used for countertops,
flooring, monuments, and as aggregate in
concrete. The region's granite quarries
support local industries and contribute to
Granite infrastructure development. While granite
mining provides economic benefits, it is
essential to implement sustainable practices
to reduce environmental degradation and
ensure the longevity of these natural
resources.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Limestone, coal, gypsum, and granite are vital natural resources found in Sindh, Pakistan, each
contributing significantly to the region's economy. Limestone serves as a primary ingredient in
cement production, essential for construction and infrastructure development, while also
improving soil quality in agriculture. The coal reserves in Sindh are crucial for energy generation
through thermal power plants, creating jobs and stimulating local economies. Gypsum, on the
other hand, plays a key role in the construction industry for producing plaster and drywall, as
well as benefiting agriculture by enhancing soil structure. Additionally, granite is valued for its
durability and aesthetic appeal in buildings and monuments, with high-quality varieties offering
export potential that can contribute to foreign exchange earnings. Overall, the extraction and
processing of these resources generate employment opportunities, support urbanization, boost
local revenues through taxes, and attract both domestic and foreign investments, ultimately
enhancing economic development and improving the livelihoods of residents in Sindh.
OTHER MINERALS
1. Celestite
•Composition and Uses: Celestite, primarily composed of strontium sulfate, is used in producing strontium compounds for fireworks,
flares, and certain types of glass.
•Economic Importance: The presence of celestite in Sindh can support industries related to specialty chemicals and materials,
potentially leading to job creation and local economic development.
2. Dolomite
•Properties and Applications: Dolomite is a carbonate mineral used in the production of glass, ceramics, and as a soil conditioner in
agriculture.
•Economic Significance: Its availability in Sindh supports the construction industry and agricultural sector, enhancing soil fertility and
contributing to the local economy.
3. Silica Sand
•Characteristics and Uses: Silica sand is a key component in glass manufacturing, foundry applications, and construction.
•Economic Role: The silica sand deposits in Sindh are critical for industries like glass production and construction, bolstering economic
activities and providing employment opportunities.
4. Bentonite
•Properties and Applications: Bentonite is a clay mineral valued for its absorbent properties, used in drilling fluids, cosmetics, and as a
sealant in landfills.
•Economic Importance: The extraction of bentonite can enhance local industries and provide essential materials for various
applications, supporting economic growth in the region.
•Tungsten/Sheelite
•Location: Placer deposits of the Indus River and molasse rocks like the Vihowa group and Manchar group
•Industrial Use: Used in cutting tools, drills, and light bulb filaments due to its hardness and high melting point.
•Gold
•Location: Nagar Parker, Indus River placer deposits, and molasse rocks like the Vihowa group and Manchar group
•Industrial Use: Used in jewelry, electronics (connectors, circuit boards), and as a monetary standard.
•Magnetite, Ilmenite, Garnet, Epidote, Zircon, Tourmaline, Amphibole/Hornblende, Tremolite, Apatite, Pyroxene
•Location: Placer deposits of the Indus River and molasse rocks like the Vihowa group and Manchar group
•Industrial Uses:
•Magnetite: Used in steel production and as a coal-washing agent.
•Ilmenite: Source of titanium dioxide used in paints, paper, and plastics.
•Garnet: Used as an abrasive in water jet cutting and sandblasting.
•Zircon: Used in ceramics, refractory materials, and as a nuclear reactor component.
•Tourmaline: Used in pressure sensors and piezoelectric devices.
•Amphibole/Hornblende: Used in construction and rock-forming materials.
•Tremolite: Historically used in asbestos, but now avoided due to health risks.
•Apatite: Used in fertilizer production.
•Pyroxene: Studied for its role in rock formation.
•Zircon
•Location: Shore areas along the Sindh coast
•Industrial Use: Used in ceramics, foundries, and for producing zirconium for nuclear reactors and industrial applications.
•Alum
•Location: Pyritiferous shales of the Gajbeds at Maki Nai, the Ranikot group, and the Nari/Gaj group, as well as Shah Hassan near Trimi
•Industrial Use: Used in water purification, tanning leather, and as a food additive.
•Trona (Source of Sodium) and Potash Salts

•Location: Associated with rock salt deposits and lakes near the Sindh coast
•Industrial Use:
•Trona: Used to make soda ash for glass, paper, and detergents.
•Potash: Used as a fertilizer and in various chemical industries.
•China Clay (Kaolin)

•Location: Nagar Parkar, Islamkot Thar, Dhed Vero, Parodhoro, Ramji-jo-Vandio, and surrounding areas
•Industrial Use: Used in ceramics, paper coating, porcelain, and as a filler in rubber and plastics.
•Fuller’s Earth
•Location: Thano Bulla Khan (Dadu district), Shadi Shahid (Khairpur), and Begamji
•Industrial Use: Used in oil refining to remove impurities, and in cosmetics for face masks and cat litter.
•Fire Clay
•Location: Dadu district, Sohnari Dhand/Jhimpir, Laki group, Ranikot group, Vihowa/Manchar group
•Industrial Use: Used for making firebricks and refractory linings for furnaces and kilns.
•Orthoclase Feldspar
•Location: Nagar Parkar
•Industrial Use: Used in glassmaking, ceramics, and scouring powders.
•Red Ochre (Abrasive)

•Location: Eocene Sohnari beds in Sohnari Dhand, west of Jhol Dhaund, and around the Harmon Mohatta coal mine
•Industrial Use: Used as an abrasive in polishing and grinding, and as a pigment in paints.
•Quartz
•Location: Cretaceous Pab Formation on the eastern slope of the Lakhi range (Dadu district)
•Industrial Use: Used in glass production, electronics (oscillators), and as gemstones.
•Uranium
•Location: Found in fluviatile cross-bedded sandstones of the Vihowa/Manchar group
•Industrial Use: Used as nuclear fuel for electricity generation in nuclear reactors.
•Gemstones like Agate and Chalcedony

•Location: Nagar Parker
•Industrial Use: Used as semi-precious gemstones for jewelry and decorative items.
•Chert, Flint, Jasper

•Location: Found in Vihowa/Manchar group in the Kirthar and Lakhi range
•Industrial Use: Used for cutting tools, decorative stones, and road-building materials.

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MINERALS RESOURCES FOUND IN SINDH

Exploring Sindh’s Hidden Treasures: A Look at Its Mineral Wealth

Sindh, a province in Pakistan, holds a wealth of

•Trona (Source of Sodium) and Potash Salts

•China Clay (Kaolin)

•Red Ochre (Abrasive)

•Gemstones like Agate and Chalcedony

•Chert, Flint, Jasper

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