Pakistan discovered large reserves of gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and antimony in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. Antimony, a critical mineral used in batteries and electronics, is mainly controlled by China. India, facing a shortage, is exploring domestic sources, seeking international partnerships, and researching alternatives to reduce dependency.
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Pakistan discovers vast reserves of valuable minerals like gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and antimony.
Most of these minerals are discovered in two regions: Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Balochistan, they discovered large deposits of antimony, which is a rare metal used in many industries.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, they found gold, copper, nickel, and cobalt.
They also discovered mineral blocks in Punjab province, specifically in Chiniot.
It is a special kind of element that acts like both a metal and a nonmetal. Scientists call it a "metalloid."
It makes metals stronger. For example, when mixing antimony with lead, it creates a harder material that is perfect for making bullets or parts of car batteries. It is also used in electronics, like infrared detectors, which help cameras see heat.
It is found in nature as a mineral called stibnite (Sb₂S₃). Stibnite looks shiny and gray, almost like silver. The biggest producer of antimony is China, which controls about 88% of the world’s supply. Other countries like Bolivia, Russia, and Tajikistan also mine antimony. In India, small amounts of antimony are found in places like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Some antimony compounds are toxic and can cause health problems if they get into the human body. For example, breathing in antimony dust over a long time can damage your lungs or liver.
Antimony is called a "critical mineral" because it’s very important for industries but hard to get. Many countries depend on imports to meet their needs. India doesn’t produce enough antimony and depends heavily on other countries, especially China.
Recently, China started limiting how much antimony it exports. This has raised concern because if China stops selling antimony, it could cause problems for industries around the world.
Exploring domestic mines in states like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to extract more antimony locally.
Partnership with other countries that produce antimony, such as Bolivia and Russia, to ensure steady supplies.
India is investing in research to develop technologies that use less antimony or replace it with other materials.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which one of the following statements concerning the international borders of Balochistan is incorrect? A) The border with Afghanistan is defined by the Durand Line agreement. B) The border with Iran passes through the Makran coastal region in the south. C) Balochistan shares a maritime boundary with Oman via the Arabian Sea. D) Both Iran and Afghanistan border Balochistan to its west. Answer: D Explanation: A) is correct. The Durand Line was established in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan, forms the basis of the current international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the part bordering Balochistan. B) is correct. The southern part of the Pakistan-Iran border runs through the Makran region, which spans both countries and reaches the Arabian Sea coast. C) is correct. Pakistan (specifically off the coast of Balochistan) and Oman share a maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea/Gulf of Oman, established through a bilateral agreement. D) is incorrect. Iran borders Balochistan to the west. Afghanistan borders Balochistan primarily to the north and northwest, not west. Therefore, stating both border it to the west is geographically inaccurate.
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