Minerals Gwadar  

Although the Inspectorate of Mines has reported no mining activity in the district, the Gazetteer of Balochistan points out some mineral resources which were being exploited at that time. Aluminium Sulphate mixed with Ferrous Sulphate was obtained from a mine near Shamal Bandar and was used for producing a black dye. There was a sulphur mine near the Mazwar Kaur in the neighbourhood of Pasni. A chemical examination of water from springs at Kallag in Kulanch indicated the presence of a large amount of Sulphured Hydrogen.

Salt is manufactured throughout the district and is obtained by the evaporation of sea or rain water which leaves behind good quality salt. Sea or rain water is stored in pans or pools. Sometimes high tides also brought the sea water in.

  Mining Gwadar  

Both the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the Inspectorate of Mines have not reported any minerals in Gwadar district. The Gazetteer of Balochistan describes exploration of Aluminium Sulphate and Ferrous Sulphate from Shamal Bandar. A sulphur mine was operating near Pasni and occurrence of Sulphuratted Hydrogen at Kallag was reported.

The only mineral product of the district today is salt. Salt is obtained from sea or rain water. Small wells of 3-4 meters depth are dug near the sea shore and sea water is spread in panes made on plain surface. The usual dimension of the panes is 300 x 200 x 10 centimetres. Water dries up in 10 days and salt is collected. Each of the panes produces about 20 kilogram of salt which is sold at a rate of 15 rupees per 20 kilogram.

The district might have mineral resources but no attention has been directed to explore them. The action needed is exploration and subsequent exploitation of the mineral resources in the district. The production of salt may be organised as a small industry. Exploitation of minerals will not only benefit the national economy but will also help socio-economic development of the area.

Fuel wood and kerosene oil is mainly used for cooking and heating, while diesel is used to run tubewells. Kerosene oil is used for illumination, wherever the electric supply is scarce. All most all the kerosene oil, diesel, and petrol comes from Iran through cross-border trade. As this trade is in violation of the country laws, a record of total import in this way is not available. The price difference in Iranian and Pakistani petroleum products is significant and vigilance on cross-border trade is not at par. Therefore this illegal trade flourishes well. One litre of petrol is available for 11 rupees, of diesel for 6 rupees and that of kerosene oil for 10 rupees. The only Pakistani petroleum product being sold in the district to some extent is diesel because it is without any contamination hence good for motor vehicles. The consumption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is increasing, mainly for cooking. Electricity, where available, is used for light mainly. Only 3 tubewells have yet been provided with electricity supply connections.

Fuel wood comes from Nigor and Dasht areas of the district. The price of fuel wood is increasing; at present 40 kilograms of fuel wood cost rupees one hundred. Regular electricity supply is the need of the area. People like to enjoy modern electric appliances, which only is possible if electricity supply is regular.