PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered the immediate closure of all mines using explosive materials, directing authorities across the province to take swift action as part of enhanced security and regulatory measures.
In this regard, as per the Provincial Home Department, all district administrations have been instructed to implement the orders without delay and ensure strict compliance with the new measures.
The Home Department has also sought district-wise details of all mines where explosive materials are being used. Officials have been directed to prepare comprehensive reports identifying such mining operations to facilitate further action.
In this sense, all mines using explosive materials will be placed on a Red List, while mines extracting soft rock without the use of explosives will be included on a Green List.
The categorization aims to distinguish high-risk mining operations from those that do not involve explosives.
The department has instructed all district administrations to submit both Red List and Green List reports on an urgent basis. These reports will be reviewed by the provincial authorities before further decisions are taken regarding enforcement and regulatory measures.
The Home Department has ordered strict monitoring of the purchase, sale, transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials and urea.
The provincial government has also requested complete district-wise lists of all registered urea dealers.
Meanwhile, once the reports are received from all districts, they will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for further review and necessary action.
The latest measures indicate the provincial government’s efforts to enhance oversight of activities involving explosive materials and improve regulatory control over mining operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
