Estimates suggest there are copper reserves of 1.9 bln tons and 11.2 mln ounces of gold in different localities."
Geological Survey of Pakistan reveals huge reserves of precious metals and minerals
Primary reason for not getting maximum benefit of the natural resources was the application of out-dated technologies, poor management and inadequate capital besides security situation in some areas where the bulk of the mineral resources were located.
The mineral sector of Pakistan is spread over 600,000 square kilometers and 92 known minerals, while 52 are commercially exploited.
90 Oil and Gas reserves discovered in last 3 years in Pakistan
Presently, the sources said above 5,000 operational mines and 50,000 small and medium enterprises were producing average 68.52 mln tons per year and providing direct employment to 300,000 workers.