Mineral Resources of Swat Valley Pakistan

Swat Valley is rich of GOD gifted mineral resources. Most of the minerals in swat belong to family 10 in periodic table.Therefore these minerals are valueable and internationaly recognised. They include Sulphides, oxides and Hydroxides, Nitrats, Carbonates and Borates, Silicates and other unclassified minerals. The list having 18 entries in that 14 are valid minerals. Following are the minerals, which have been already found and successfully explored for commercial use.

China Clay or Kaolin:

China clay or kaolin is used for white ware and special type of cement and as paper and rubber filler. The largest mine of China clay is found in a village called Shahderai, having the finest quality of China clay in Pakistan. The total reserves were estimated 2.8 million tons.
The same type of China clay has also been found in Shahdin and Doshagram near Matta. But the important issue is the ceramic factory is situated 200km away from these mines ( near Attok ). which is a matter fo disgus for local peoples, decreasing the chances of jobs in Swat valley.

Marble

Natural stone (a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, CaCO3), which is, recrystalized limestone, which is both durable and beautiful. Marble can stand heavy use but can be stained or scratched. It is also brittle and must be handles carefully during installation. Dark marble is harder than light or white marble. More commonly used for fireplace mantels, counter tops or as flooring, it can also be used on the exterior of a building.
In various part of the valley a good quality of white and green marble are found and mined for local base industries also goes to the near by district. The reserves are located in Saidu sharif, Spal bandai , khadag, Ghaligai, Parrai, Malam Jabba and Ghakhai Kandao.

Emerald Mines

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes iron. It is highly prized as a gemstone and ounce for ounce is the most valuable gemstone in the world, often made more so by inclusions. Beryl has a hardness of 8 on the 10-point Mohs scale of hardness. Emerald is the birthstone for May.

The mine is located in the outskirts of Mingora in Fizaghat. This is deep green color exceptional clarity and excellent quality. The production of Gem grade emeralds made during 1978-1988 was 280671.96 carats. The reserves are estimated to 13.2 millions cts. The finest quality is the best to export to the international markets. There is an export potential of millions of dollars if is excavated and cut for international standards.