The natural resources of a nation, particularly its mineral resources, play a very important part in its prosperity and progress. Here is a look at the numerous natural mineral resources Pakistan is blessed with and which are very useful for its industrial development. Mineral oil
Mineral oil is found in raw form and is purified in oil refineries. Only 15 per cent of the total mineral oil requirements of the country are produced in Pakistan, while the rest is imported. In Pakistan, the oil reserves are situated in Dhullian, Kot Mayyal, Attock, Chakwal, Dhodhak, Badin, Hyderabad, Dadu and Potwar Plateau.
Coal
Pakistan's coal reserves meet only 11 per cent of its total requirement. In Punjab, coal mines are located at Dandot and Makkarwal. The country's biggest coal mines are present at Mianwali and Makkarwal. In Balochistan, coal mines are present at Sharag, Khost, Harnai and Mach, while in Sindh coal is found at Thatta and Larkana.
Natural gas
Natural gas is an essential element for industrial production, household purposes and vehicles. In Pakistan, natural gas was discovered in 1952 at Sui, Balochistan. In Sindh, it was found at Khairpur, Mazrani, Hundi, Kandhkot and Seri, while in Punjab natural gas is found at Dhodhak, Pir Koh, Mayyal and Dhullian. It is brought from main reserves to places of need through a network of pipelines.
Gypsum
Gypsum is a white coloured shining stone used in the production of chemical fertilisers, cement, bleaching powder and plaster of Paris. Gypsum reserves are situated at Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kohat, Rohri, Quetta and Sibi.
Iron ore
Iron ore is used for the manufacturing of steel and iron. The largest deposits of iron ore are found in Kala Bagh. They are also found at Hazara district, Chitral, Khuzdar and Muslim Bagh.
Chromite
Chromite is a white-coloured metal used in the making of steel, dyes, photography items and airplanes. Pakistan has the world's largest reserves of chromite and this natural resource is found in Muslim Bagh, Chaghi, Kharan, Malakand and North Waziristan.
Copper
Copper is needed for the manufacturing of electrical goods. Rich reserves of copper are found in Saindak and Chaghi district in Balochistan.
Salt
World's largest mineral salt reserves are found in Pakistan. This range is located at Potwar Plateau and the biggest salt mine is at Khewra in district Jhelum. Salt is also obtained from Warchha in Khushab district, Kala Bagh and Bahadur Khel and also from Mauripur, near Karachi.
Limestone
This is used for making cement and is also used in paper, soap and glass industries. Limestone deposits are found in Jhelum, Dera Ghazi Khan, Moghul Kot, Hyderabad, Manghopir, Kot Diji and Ranipur.
Marble
Marble is found in abundance in our country and is present in vast variety and colours. Its reserves are found in Chaghi, Mardan, Swat and Khyber Agency. The marble found in Pakistan is of highest quality because of its beauty, softness and colour. Black and white marble is found in the Kala Chitta Hills in Attock.
