Mohmand, Khyber, Bajaur, Orakzai and Kurram Agencies in FATA are the major zones where huge quantities of Marble are extracted. These deposits have a great variety of colors and fabrics and thus have vast potential in international Market. About 7000 million tones of good quality marble ranging from super white, silky and grey varieties exist in FATA. Currently more than 1.5 million stones of Marble are excavated.
In order to process the available marble into products compatible in the international market, a Marble City is being set-up in Mohmand Agency in collaboration with Pakistan Stone Development Company Islamabad (PASDEC). An area of 300 Acres has been acquired and is currently being developed by PASDEC. The Mohmand Marble City is an industrial estate with tremendous investment and growth opportunities for the entrepreneurs through infrastructure availability. The Marble City having following objectives will be equipped with a dedicated infrastructure, regular power & utilities availability within the same vicinity which will substantially reduce the cost of doing business besides having a continuity of flow in operations.
Attract new business by providing an integrated infrastructure in one location;
Provide a conducive environment for the Dimensional Stone Industry of Pakistan;
Add value to the existing products, enhance exports and to attract local & international investment in the Dimensional Stone industry;
Address the environmental and health hazards;
Localized environmental controls that are specific to the needs of an industrial area;
Process innovation according to international standards.
Total amount of Rs. 360.062 million has been paid to concerned agencies for execution of works as detailed below: -
i. Rs. 110.7 million to Political Agent Mohmand for payment to the owners of the land.
ii. Rs. 52.445 million to W&S Department for construction of approach road.
iii. Rs. 196.917 million to TESCO for construction of Grid Station.
It is estimated that in addition to other economic benefits, Marble City will generate more than 6,000 direct job opportunities in the area where unemployment is rampant.
