” Illegal mineral hoarding: 110 tons of mica recovered in Baltistan ” | GNN INFO

GILGIT: In a crackdown on illicit mineral hoarding in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Mines & Minerals Department has seized 110 tons of mica in two separate operations in the Baltistan region.

Deputy Director of the Mines & Minerals Department for the Baltistan Region, Amjad Hussain, led the operations with the assistance of local law enforcement. The first raid, conducted late Tuesday night in Skardu, targeted illegal mineral stockpiles, resulting in the recovery of approximately 70 tons of mica.

The intelligence-based operation prompted the deputy director and his team to intervene swiftly, securing the illicit minerals with police support and initiating legal actions against the individuals involved.

The operation took a turn when it led to the residence of a Chinese national, who was found to be engaging in mining activities without the necessary legal permits. Upon being confronted, the individual presented a contract allegedly signed with a local company to justify his actions.

The documents were subsequently handed over to the authorities and are currently under review by the assistant commissioner of prosecution. The foreign national has been released on personal bail pending further investigation.

The second operation took place on Wednesday night in the Gulabpur area of the Shiger district, where another 40 tons of mica were discovered and confiscated. The local police force supported this raid, which underscored the department’s determination to combat illegal mineral storage and smuggling activities within the region.

Speaking on the matter with HUM News English, Amjad Hussain stated unequivocally that illegal hoarding and smuggling of minerals were intolerable offences that would be met with stringent legal consequences. He emphasized that anyone found complicit in such activities would face severe penalties under the mines and minerals rules.

Amjad Hussain further noted that an application has been submitted to the respective police station to register a case against the culprits under mines and minerals rules. The deputy director said the department was in the process of ascertaining the actual price of the recovered minerals, emphasising the importance of thorough investigation and due process in bringing the offenders to justice.