G-B stakeholders reject Mines and Minerals Act 2025

GILGIT: The Pakistan Gemstone and Minerals Association of Mining, Processing, and Trade on Tuesday rejected the Mines and Minerals Act 2025, warning of widespread protests if their demands are not met within 15 days.

The decision was made during the general body meeting of the association convened at a local hotel in Gilgit. The meeting discussed pressing concerns over the region’s mineral resources and the rights of local communities.

The meeting adopted a unanimous resolution highlighting several key objections to the Act. It was emphasized that Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique constitutional and geographical status should be recognized.

The resolution maintained that the federal government’s decision to impose the Mines and Minerals Act 2025 on the region undermines the rights of the local population.

The association argued that the act prioritizes the federal government’s interests over the region’s mineral wealth, thereby depriving the local population of their rightful resources.

According to the resolution, the Gilgit-Baltistan Minerals Concessional Rules 2024 were implemented without consultation with the provincial assembly or local stakeholders. Despite repeated objections and promises from the authorities, the association claimed no action had been taken to address these issues.

The association demanded an immediate rollback of the Minerals Concessional Rules 2024, calling them “unilateral” and “non-consultative.” They urged the government to reinstate the 2019 Minerals Rules instead.

The association also called for the reinstatement of the royalty rates, fees, and bank statement regulations that were outlined in the 2019 Mineral Rules. It demanded comprehensive negotiations with local stakeholders to resolve the contentious provisions within the new Minerals Concessional Rules 2024.

The meeting criticised federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments for ignoring decisions taken during association’s meetings with key officials such as the Chief Secretary, Mineral Secretary, and Director of Minerals. It urged the authorities to honour the commitments made to stakeholders in the gemstone and minerals sector.

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The meeting emphasised the importance of adhering to the region’s existing laws, particularly the 2019 Mineral Rules. The body insisted that mining leases should be granted to locals first, while outside investors must operate only through joint ventures with residents.

The association condemned any “retaliatory actions” against its Chairman, Ziaullah, who has been a vocal advocate for the interests of the gemstone and minerals sector. The association called on the government to cease such tactics and respect the efforts of its leaders.

The meeting expressed concerns over the incompetence of the current Mineral Department and demanded that qualified, experienced Mining Engineers and Geologists be recruited to ensure better management of the region’s mineral resources.

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The meeting decided to send the resolution to the federal and G-B governments, as well as members of the G-B assembly and relevant institutions, warning that if no substantial action is taken within the next fifteen days, it will unite all stakeholders and initiate a protest movement.