Mineral resources and fossil fuels

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Location, relief, climate and natural hazards of Pakistan, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

Riches under the ground

Pakistan has rock salt, copper, gold, coal, gas and more beneath its surface. But mining them is often hard, and many are not fully used. This lesson covers the main minerals and the three fossil fuels.

Main minerals

Rock salt is mined at Khewra in the Salt Range, one of the largest salt mines in the world. Copper and gold are found in the Chagai area of Balochistan, at Saindak and Reko Diq. Limestone and gypsum are used to make cement, and chromite is found in Balochistan.

Why mining is difficult

Many minerals are in remote, mountainous areas with poor roads and little water or power. Mining needs huge investment and modern machinery, often from foreign companies. Security problems in some areas, and the lack of skilled workers, add to the difficulty.

Should Pakistan develop its minerals?

For: jobs, export earnings, raw materials for industry, and development of remote regions. Against: damage to the environment, high costs, and profits going to foreign companies, not local people. A 6-mark question wants a judgement, using examples such as Reko Diq.

Natural gas

Natural gas was discovered at Sui in Balochistan in 1952. Other gas fields are in Sindh and Punjab. It is used for power stations, industry such as fertiliser, homes, and as fuel for vehicles. Demand has outgrown supply, so Pakistan now imports liquefied natural gas.

Oil

Oil is produced in the Potwar Plateau and in Sindh, but only a small part of what Pakistan needs. Most oil is imported, mainly from the Gulf, at great cost. Oil is refined at refineries such as at Karachi and Attock.

Coal

Pakistan has very large coal reserves in the Thar Desert, and smaller fields at Lakhra and in Balochistan. Most Pakistani coal is low quality lignite, with high moisture and ash. Thar coal is now used to generate electricity, cutting imports but adding pollution.

Fossil fuels at a glance

The three fossil fuels side by side.

Why fuel costs rise

Imported oil and gas are priced in dollars, so if the rupee falls, they cost more. World prices rise when supply is cut, for example by conflict. And as local gas fields run down, more must be imported. Each point should be developed.

Fossil fuels and the future

Fossil fuels are non-renewable: once used, they are gone. They release carbon dioxide and other pollution, adding to climate change. So Pakistan is turning more to renewable energy, covered in the next lesson.

Mistakes that lose marks

Mistake one: placing Sui in Sindh. It is in Balochistan. Mistake two: saying Pakistan is self-sufficient in oil. Mistake three: a two-views answer with no judgement. The fix: correct places, and a judgement with examples.

The full-marks tip

The full-marks tip: name each mineral or fuel with its location. In 6-mark questions, give both views, examples, and a clear judgement.

On one card

So, on one card: minerals and fuels. Keep it for revision.