MINING PROPOSAL

Location: SHERWAN AREA NEAR ABBOTABAD. KPK. PAKISTAN.

Mineral: TALC / SOAPSTONE

INTRODUCTION

Talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate mineral with a chemical composition of

Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. Although the composition of talc usually stays close to this generalized
formula, some substitution occurs. Small amounts of Al or Ti can substitute for Si; small
amounts of Fe, Mn, and Al can substitute for Mg; and, very small amounts of Ca can
substitute for Mg. When large amounts of Fe substitute for Mg, the mineral is known as
minnesotaite. When large amounts of Al substitute for Mg, the mineral is known as
pyrophyllite.

Talc is usually green, white, gray, brown, or colorless. It is a translucent mineral with a
pearly luster. It is the softest known mineral and is assigned a hardness of 1 on the Mohs
Hardness scale.

Talc is a monoclinic mineral with a sheet structure similar to the micas. Talc has perfect
cleavage that follows planes between the weakly bonded sheets. These sheets are held
together only by van der Waals bonds, which allows them to slip past one another easily. This
characteristic is responsible for talc's extreme softness, its greasy, soapy feel, and its value as
a high-temperature lubricant.

Talc: Talc is a phyllosilicate mineral that cleaves into thin sheets. These sheets are held together only
by van der Waals bonds, which allows them to easily slip past one another. This characteristic is
responsible for talc's extreme softness, its greasy to soapy feel, and its value as a high-temperature
lubricant.

Talc in Plastics

In 2011, about 26% of the talc consumed in the United States was used in the manufacturing
of plastics. It is mainly used as a filler. The platy shape of talc particles can increase the
stiffness of products such as polypropylene, vinyl, polyethylene, nylon, and polyester. It can
also increase the heat resistance of these products and reduce shrinkage. Where the plastic is
extruded in the manufacturing process, talc's very low hardness produces less abrasion on
equipment than harder mineral fillers.

Talc in Ceramics

In the United States in 2011, about 17% of the talc consumed was used in the manufacturing
of ceramics products such as bathroom fixtures, ceramic tile, pottery, and dinnerware. When
used as a filler in ceramics, talc can improve the firing characteristics of the greenware and
the strength of the finished product.
Talc in Paint

Most paints are suspensions of mineral particles in a liquid. The liquid portion of the paint
facilitates application, but after the liquid evaporates, the mineral particles remain on the
wall. Talc is used as an extender and filler in paints. The platy shape of talc particles
improves the suspension of solids in the can and helps the liquid paint adhere to a wall
without sagging.

Powdered talc is a very bright white color. This makes talc an excellent filler in paint because
it simultaneously serves to whiten and brighten the paint. Talc's low hardness is valued
because it causes less abrasion damage on spray nozzles and other equipment when paint is
applied. In 2011, about 16% of the talc consumed in the United States was used to make
paint.

Talc in Paper

Most papers are made from a pulp of organic fibers. This pulp is made from wood, rags, and
other organic materials. Finely ground mineral matter is added to the pulp to serve as a filler.
When the pulp is rolled into thin sheets, the mineral matter fills spaces between the pulp
fibers, resulting in a paper with a much smoother writing surface. Talc as a mineral filler can
improve the opacity, brightness, and whiteness of the paper. Talc also can also improve the
paper's ability to absorb ink. In 2011, the paper industry consumed about 16% of the talc used
in the United States.

Talc in Cosmetics and Antiperspirants

Finely ground talc is used as the powder base of many cosmetic products. The tiny platelets
of a talc powder readily adhere to the skin but can be washed off easily. Talc's softness allows
it to be applied and removed without causing skin abrasion.

Talc also has the ability to absorb oils and perspiration produced by human skin. The ability
of talc to absorb moisture, absorb odor, adhere to the skin, serve as a lubricant, and produce
an astringent effect in contact with human skin make it an important ingredient in many
antiperspirants. In 2011, about 7% of the talc consumed in the United States was used to
make cosmetics and antiperspirant.

Talc and asbestos occur naturally and may occur in close proximity in some metamorphic
rocks. Studies published in the 1960s and 1970s identified health concerns about the use of
talc that contains asbestos in some cosmetic products.

According to the FDA, "These studies have not conclusively demonstrated such a link, or if
such a link existed, what risk factors might be involved." To address these concerns, talc
mining sites are now carefully selected and ores are carefully processed to avoid the presence
of asbestos in talc destined for use in the cosmetics industry.

Talc in Roofing Materials

Talc is added to the asphaltic materials used to make roofing materials to improve their
weather resistance. It is also dusted onto the surface of roll roofing and shingles to prevent
sticking. In 2011, about 6% of the talc consumed in the United States was used to
manufacture roofing materials.

FORMATION OF TALC/SOAPSTONE
The talc mineral is hydrous silicate of magnesium 3mg. 4SiO2-H2O. Theoretically containing
63.4% SiO2. 31.9% MgO and 4.7% H2O. These contituents very widely in commercial
talcs.Commercial talc deposits also may contains impurities of iron such as magnetic, pyrite
and limonite. For most purposes, these impurities are removed for further end uses.
The talc highest purity is derived from sedimentary rocks rich as dolomite. Less pure from
hydrous Aluminium silicate similar to talc in most properties and applications from acidic
igneous rocks with chemical formula of Al2O3.4SiO3. H2O. The important desirable
properties include softness and smoothness, colour luster, light slip tendency, moisture
content oil and grease absorption, chemical inertness, fusion point, heat and electric
conductivity high dieelectric strength any many others. More specific requirement for the
above mentioned end uses are as follows:
1. Ceramic: Uniform chemical and physical properties are required. Mn
and iron contents for insulators no more 0.5% CaO. 1.5% Iron oxide and 4% of
M2O is tolerated.
2. Paints: Impurities in colour other than white are highly objectionable.
3. Roofing: For use in roofing: low grade talc/soapstone is not
objectionable
4. Rubber: Many synthetic rubber use ground talc ad filters in their
compounding formation.
5. Paper: Requirement include chemical inertness, softness, freedom
from frits. Satisfactory ink acceptance, brightness and dispensability in water.
6. Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical: In this end use talc must be grit free.
Finely sized, chemical pure and pleasing in colour talc must have a good dry
slip characteristics.

OCCURANCES:

The talc/soapstone mineralization occur in the surrounding of Sherwan, Juragh locality a

mountainous region of Abbotabad district, In the prospect area a sizeable Tabular Lenticular
Talk/soapstone bodies have been exposed within the siliceous dolomitic marble/limestone
on both sides of the divide line between Alpurai and Chakesar Tehsil, District Shangla Par,
in the type localities known as Juragh/Bara Sarkundai, After confirmation the size and the
quality of the deposit on the surface it was felt necessary to apply the area for prospecting
liecence in order to see the behaviour of mineralization along the dip and strike length of the
deposits, it was revealed on the surface that the mineralization is extending for about 1½
kms on the North, West and South directions in the form of pinching and swelling position.
l
Talc/soapstone have been located at 18 different locations about 7 kms uphills in the South,
and South-East of Derai village. The main locality of the deposit occurs at Juragh village.
However, occurrences of the same have also been located at Dakan, Moer and Matai areas
South and South-East of Derai village. Derai is about 70 kms to the North-East of Mingora
on the Besham road which joins the main Karakuram highway at Besham. Accessibility to
the talc/soapstone outcrops can be made either by a mule track through a newly
constructed Tractor road leading up to the foot hills of the deposit. The above tale bearing
localities are from 6000 to 8000 ft above the sea level with an elevation difference of about
2000 to 3000 ft from the road side near Derai. The Tractor road can be converted into a
proper vehicle road after some payment to the locals against acquisition of the cultivated
land to be utilized during widening of the approach road.

ROAD COST
PRESENT INVESTIGATION
The present investigation pertains to the reconnaissance/evaluation of talc soapstone
deposits in the surrounding area of Juragh and Sarkundai. The talc/soapstone deposits at
Sarkundai area is a new findings duly located in the reconnaissance / orientation survey
work under the present lease deed. Geological data of the Sarkundai area was freshly
obtained and incorporated with the rechecked, updated technical data previously obtained
at Juragh area.

These new investigations have been incorporated with the previous data as given below:

i. Trenching and pitting on the newly discovered Sarkundai deposit.

ii. A local geological map on scale 1:25,000 of Matai, More and Juragh area
including the localized geological map of the newly discovered
talc/soapstone deposits with in the granted area.
iii. Trenching and pittings at about 10 points have been completed.
iv. Systematic samplings from all the excavatory points have been completed.

GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING OF THE JURGH TALC / SOAPSOAPSTONE

MINERALIZATION
The drainage is dominated by the Indus River and its Tributaries which has deeply dissected
all the rocks in gorges and v-shaped valleys. They valley slopes are very sleep and rugged,
flat lands and large alluvial fans are limited. The valley floor ranges from 460m to 550m
while the highest peak in the vicinity is Kabul Sar which is about 8000 ft above sea level.
Accessibility to the talc/soapstone outcrops is mainly provided by a foot path or mule track
and newly constructed Tractor road from Derai village. The main outcrops at Juragh and
Sarkundai area are from 6000 to 8000 above sea level and a sleep slope elevation difference
of about 2000 to 3000 ft from the main road side near Derai. So for all the mined out
soapstone for various purposes was transported down in the past to the main road side
through mules and labourers. However, now a day a newly constructed Tractor road of
about 7 kms have been constructed by us in association with a local candidate for the
coming local body election.

An exact and normal stratigraphy of all these metamorphic units is different to present at
this stage. The true and exact position of the entire rock units can only be obtained after
detailed petrographic and structural studies of rock formation in the area. However for our
small scale mining purposes the description of all these rock units is based purely on
physical, field observations obtained during prospecting and geologist mapping in the
surrounding of our leased area.

GEOLOGY OF THE MINERALIZED ZONE

In 1969, Mr. Qasim Jan and Dr. Tahir Khelli while working on the lower part of Indus
Kohistan and regionally classified all rock groups into the following 2 major groups above
and below the MMT.
1. Hornblendi group also known as Island are above the MMT.
2. Lower Swat Buner schistose group, below the MMT.

The lower Swat Buner schistose group was further classified into the following sub-groups.
1. The Swat granitic gneisses
2. The SwabiChamla sedimentary groups
3. The Ambella granite
4. The Shera formation

The rock units in the surrounding of the mineralized zone are likely belong to the schistose-
group and may be included in the advanced stage of metamorphic facies of the same group.
These rocks in the area are striking from North-Easwt to South-West direction. The general
dip of these rocks in ranging 75O to 35O due west, south-west.

An exact and normal straighraphy of all these metamorphic units is difficult to present at
this stage. The true and exact position of all these rock units can only be obtained after
detailed petrographic and structural studies of rock formations in the area. However for our
small scale mining operation in the leased area the descriptions of all the unit have been
based only on observations of all units duly obtained during the field work.

Accordingly, on the basis of field observations, obtained during prospecting and geological
mapping in the area, the following facies of metamorphis rocks are differentiated as per
below details.
1. Quartz mica schist inter-layered with Amphibolite.
2. Granite schist.
3. Thin bedded easleareousquarzites.
4. Gneissoese rock unit.
5. Siliceous dolomitic limestone inter-layered with Amphibolite.
6. Graphics schist
A short accounts of the above lithological units are as follows:

1. GRAPHITE SCHIST
The lower most part of the above lithological units in the study area is composed of graphite
schists extended along the North-South direction for 1500 meters with a high to sub-vertical
dip. On the surface this unit is dark grey in colour and shows amorphous characteristics in
hand specimen. This graphite unit is about 200 ft thick and appears to be of low content of
carbon. The formations has been developed within the quartz mica schist and have been
marked by late pegmatite intrusion.

3. QUARTZ MICA SCHIST

This unit overlies the graphite schist and intruded by a few pegmatite instructions and have
no mica within it. The pegmatites are generally composed of feld part quartz and tourmaline
mineralization in a few places. The pegmatite also contains quartz and mica and a few lay
ers of Amphibolite. The thickness of this formation is not known due to multiple
insturctions of pegmatite.

4. LIMESTONE WITH AMPHIBIOLITE

This facies overlies the micaceous rocks, have been developed within the Amphibolite and
other rock formation in the area in detached form, generally followers regional strike of the
country rocks. Generally the Juragh tale deposits have been developed at the contact of this
rock formation at various places. The calcareous units have been partly marbalized and
adopt white color. The facies is bedded and generally attains a thickness of about 400 ft at
JuraghSar. In some places, it has adopted a slaby and foliated characteristics.

5. TALC BEARING SILICEOUS DOLOMITIC MARBLE

Quartz mica schist has been followed by a formation of dolomitic marble containing the
main concentration of talc mineralization in the form of Tabular and Lenticular tale bodies.
The thickness of this dolomite marble varies from 150 ft to 300 ft.

6. GENISSES
The gneisses formation is well exposed in the road cuttings at LaroTangi and Dabundu-
Khwar where clear details of this unit can be observed in road cutting. The gneisses
formation is light in color and well foliated.

A lit-par-lit arrangement of mica and other platy mineral is clearly noticeable. Both of them
are in contact with country rock and are gradational. The gneissose rock formation is inter-
layered with Amphibolite, which are less fractured as compared to other rock units in the
area. A few intercalations have been observed at DubundiKhwarraning from 10 ft to 17 ft.

7. CALCAREOUS QUARTZITE
This unit is mainly marked b medium to thick calcareous quartzites which are whitish to
earthy in colour and hard. This unit is medium to fine grained with well developed joint
system. Lithological changes in the North and South have also been observed in LaroTangi
and North of Shin Khwar the beds are more calcareous where as in south these are more
siliceous. The section expressed in LaroTangi and DubunduKhwar is ranging in thickness
from 1500 to 2500 ft respectively.
STRUCTURE
The structural details of the area can not be obtained during this limited scale of study.
However, the stratigraphic positioning of the rock units in the area indicates that the rocks
are forming the western limb of a big antieline with its axis extending to North-South and
South-East direction. This can be examined and judged of the gentle dips on the peaks and
higher dips in the lower parts. On regional scale, the rocks in the study area occur to the
South of Main Mantle Thrust which passes about 12 kms to the North of the area. Due to
proximity of this regional subduction zone, various types of structural deformation /
distrubances have been restricted in the area. Local faults are common in the meta –
sediments, pegmatites and granitic rocks have been rendered into lenses and pods of
varying dimension. Major shear zones have been developed with the carbonate rocks giving
rise to talc and soapstone mineralization in the area.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TALC/SOAPSTONE

i. In the mineral kingdom talc is a mineral generally composed of hydrated
magnesium silicate with chemical formula, H2mg3 (SiO3)4 Or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It is
very soft and can be cut with a knife. Talc is insoluble in water, and is soluble in
dilute mineral acid. Its color ranges from white to grey or green and it has a high
greasy feel, with a white streak.
ii. Talc/soapstone is used in many industries such as paper making, plastic, paints
and coatings, rubber, food, electric cables, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and
ceramics etc. The purest variety of talc is stealite hydrous magnesium silicate.
iii.
iv. At present after china, the world’s largest talc producing countries are the USA,
India, Finland and France. France is the largest producer and supplier of mined
talc. Pakistan also has prominent resources of best quality deposit in the world.
The main localities are found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mainly in Shangla Par
District. Jamrud, Kurram Agency and LandiKotal and Hazara. During 2009-10
the export value of talc from Pakistan US Dollar 11 million. As a matter of facts
Pakistan has one of the best quality of talc/soapstone deposits in the world, and
efforts are necessary to capture the international market and also to ease the
mining laws, based on transparency and Justice.
Table Shows the percentage of imports by country.

v. Europe and USA is the main market of talc consumption and at present 80% of
talc export is made to these countries. Thailand now-a-days is leading exporter of
talc in the world of 20% of the world’s imports. Presently Pakistani share is 0.25%
in Thailand’s talc imports. Talc demand in India is on the rise currently Pakistani
share is about 15% in India’s talc imports. Similarly domestic production of talc/
soapstone is low in China and as Pakistan has prominent and beter resources of
talc deposits and as such efforts are necessary to penetrate the Chinese market.

Table Shows the percentage of the exports by country.

TYPES OF TALC DEPOSITS
Talc is one of the many minerals that are deposited in more than one way. Many minerals
are deposited by hypothermal earth activities. In cases of deposits when hypothermal
activities take place the deposits are usually classified according to the parent rock from
which they derived. Talc has at least four types deposits.
1. The first type of deposits is derived from Magnesium carbonates, found in ancient
metamorphosed carbones sequences. This talc deposit is usually the purest form of
talc. It is mostly white and provides almost 50% of the world talc production. These
deposits, which form the majority of large deposits to be found on the US today,
produce some of the whitest and purest talc.
2. The second type of talc is made from serpentines, which provide 40% of the world’s
talc production. This type of talc comes from the metamorphosis of serpentine into a
mixture of Magnesium carbonates and talc, forming the commonly known as
“Soapstone”. This deposit function of talc is usually grey and does not serve much
commercial use. Soapstone it self it often used domestically in counter tops and the
surrounds of fire place and stones.
3. The third type of talc deposit is derived from Aluminium. Silicate rock. Only about
10% of this type of talc deposit is mined to meet world’s talc supplies. It is found
mostly in a grey crude ore and alongside many other hydrothermal minerals. This
type of talc is found at Trimainsin the French Pyrenees.

Finally, talc is deposited from magnesium sedimentary deposits. This type of deposits is not
mined currently and does not bring good economic value. A talc deposit can be formed by
direct transformation of magnesium clay. This talc deposit can be found in many locations.
The white diversity of talc deposit has given rise to a mssive array of ores and product
grades of talc for human use.

TALC/SOAPSTONE RESERVES IN PAKISTAN

The total reserves in Pakistan are estimated according to the G.S.P as 0.5 million tons, with
reserve size ranging from medium to large and the total production come to the tune of
about 20,885 tons as reported a few years ago. However, the reserve can be increased many
folds in case a proper exploratory work is conducted in the anomalous parts of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. Potentially, Pakistan has major resources of talc/soapstone deposits and is
considered to be best quality in the world. These deposits are situated in the green belt of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The major deposits occur in Sherwan (Hazara). Shangla Par District
(MalakandDir), Jamrud, Kurram Agency, LandiKotal, Zhob in Balochistan, Azad Kashmir
and also in Gilgit Baltistan Area.
INDUSTRIAL USES
Talc/soapstone has multiple economic uses. It is generally used in powder form some
lumpy talc is also used in carving. At present, there are more than 25 uses alone in Pakistan.
Soapstone/talc are widely used in the following industrial units.
i. Paper and Rubber Industy
ii. Ceramic Industry
iii. Textile Industry
iv. Cement Industry
v. Electric Industry
vi. Rafractory Industry
vii. Paint and Ceramic Industry
viii. Soap and Insecticides Industry
ix. Shoe Polishing Industry
x. Polish Of Rice and Barely Industry
xi. Paper Industry
xii. Cosmetic Industry

GENERAL TABLE SHOWN PARTICULAR SIZE OF GROUND TALC TO BE USED IN

DIFFERENT INDUSTRY
S.No. PARTICULAR SIZE NAME INDUSTRY

01. 80 – 100 mesh Soap Industry

02. 100 – 140 mesh Roofing Industry

03. 200 – 300 mesh Ceramic Industry

04. 300 – 350 mesh Insulation – Paints Enamel

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY OF TALC/SOAPSTONE DEPOSITS

Mineable talc/soapstone deposits are located at Juragh area about 6 kms to the South of
Derai village on the main Besham road. The deposits are associated within silicated
dolomitic marble.
The dolomite marble extends for several kilometer on both sides of Derai in the North-South
east direction. The talc/soapstone mineralization occurs in Tabular and Lenticular bodies
mainly associated with the dolomite marble in the area. There are 4 localities where spordic
exposures of talc/soapstone have been exposed. All talc/soapstone bearing localities have
been properly explored and Topo-Geologically mapped. The main exposures of
mineralization have been delineated in 4 areas namely Matai (Chakasar). Mora, Juragh and
Dhakan (Sarkundai) area.
All these soapstone bearing areas have been described as per below detail:
METAL DEPOSIT
The deposit occurs near Malai locality to the North of Juragh Tangi. The deposits occurs
within a spur of dolomic marble duly surrounded by cultivated lands. Several trench/pits
were excavated at this point. The mineralization zone occurs in the middle of the host rock
along a sheared zone. In the lower pits the soapstone/talc mineralization was exposed
where its thickness is ranging from 10 – 16 feet. The mineralization follows the strike of the
host-rock which dips about 36O SW. A pit measuring about 10 ft in the depth was found the
soapstone still contuning in the deeper parts.
The host rocks shows foliated characteristics on account of some platy mineral.
Megascopically and the under a hand lense the following mineral assemlage can be
identified in hand specimen which are calcite – biolite. Quartz, Pyrite and Garnet etc. A
massive body of about 16ft thick was exposed in 100 ft. Laterally excavated trench.
However, the work on the same was discontinued on account of strong resistance by the
locals due to their cultivated fields in the nearby same direction away from the field, near
Juragh Tangi and also found, here, but further extension of the work was discontinued on
account of their vegetative/soil over burden in the area.
On the surface talc is white to pale white. Foilated and massive containing sporadic
distribution of pyrite on the surface the host at this part is prominently marked with platy
minerals of calcite and tremolite.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
The chemical analysis has indicated a range of 0.4 to 1.3% Fc, 57.7, 62% SiO4 0.3, 2.5% ALO2,
0.8 to 3.1% CaO, 31.6 – 33.4% MgO and 1.2 – 4.7% L.O.1.

TALC AT JURAGH MORA

The talc/soapstone mineralization at this place is exposed about 800ft in the South-East of
about 220ft vertically below the Matai deposits. A few outcrops of the soapstone deposits
have been exposed along a dry nalla dully associated with the upper contact of the dolomitic
marble. The mineralization generally follows the regional trend of the host rock in the same
general structural from a tabular and lenticular in shape.
Similarly, the host rock as in other places in the area has been marked by platy and other
clongated metamorphic mineral assemblages. Nearly all the outcrops are burried under a
thick pit of soil of cultivated land and thus proper excavated activities like
trenching/pittings were not allowed by the land owner. However, some measurement in the
deposit was along a dry nalla where a lense 5.0 ft in length and 4ft thick was delineated.
A total of trenches and 2 pits have been excavated at this locality. The chemical work carried
out on a few samples collected from this locality indicated positive results for further use in
the various industries. The result of those samples can be seen as per attached table.
JURAGH OUT CROPS
It is the main outcrops of talc/soapstone deposits in the area and can be considered as one of
the most promising mineral deposits both on quantity and quality side among all the known
deposits in Pakistan. The deposit occurs about 1600 ft to the South-East of Mora deposits.
In hand specimen under pocket lense the mineralogy is generally composed of micaceous
mineral like Biotite, Quartz and other gang minerals. The various outcrops occuring in the
isolated from have been mapped as shown in the geological map.

A. OUTCROPS ON THE UPPER LEVEL (NO. 2)

The talc/soapstone body at this outcrop occur in the form of a thick lenticular laterally
extended for about 250ft with varying thickness of 50 – 70 ft near the footpath leading to
JuraghSar. The mineralization at this outcrop is uniform and no country rock is digested in
the mineralized zone has been found. The outcrops have dissected at a few points through
trenches upto 90 ft in dept.

B. LOWER OUTCROPS
The lower oucropsoccurs riding on the host rock dipping along the slope. Severlatrenches
have been excavated here as shown in the geological map. The exposed length of the
outcrop is ranging from 150ft to about 215ft with dip depth from 50ft to 120ft. The dip depth
cannot ascertain as the mineralized is continued still further in depth. The talc body seems to
have been eroded away more here as it overrides the host rock steeply dipping to the west.

OUTCROP NO. 3
This outcrop occurs above outcrop no. 2 and is separated gradationally by a metamorphic
rock with a high content of tremolite mineralization. The outcrops extend in the form of an
elongated lenticular talc body upto about 300ft. A minimum dip depth comes to about 5 – 6
ft from exposed part of the outcrop in depth. The lower part of the outcrops is covered by an
overlying formation of Amphibolite.

DAKAN DEPOSIT (SARKUNDAI AREA)

The deposit occurs on the eastern slope of JuraghSar facing Chakisar town about 800m from
Juragh deposit of host rock with a similar structural orientation.

The host rock and structural orientation of the talc deposit is similar to that of Juragh
deposit. The deposit is situated near a spring at the foot hill of the Juragh hill. Several
outcrops of talc deposit have been located at this slope over a strike length of about 200ft. In
hand specimen the host rock show a foliated structure with Biotite, Calcite and tremolite
have been aligned in the direction of foliation. The mineralized exposures at this locality also
adopt the same lenticular orientation as seen in other deposits in the Juragh locality. The
vertical distance between the lensoid bodies is ranging between 40 – 80ft. During a detailed
prospecting 4 bodies of talc/soapstone have been located in the upper and 5 bodies in the
lower level of the slope.

CHARACTERISTIC OF DAKAN SOAPSTONE

Talc/soapstone at this area is of good quality. It is white to yellow in colour foliate. The talc
at this areais free of pyrite. The talc deposits at some plates are overlain by Amphibolite. The
talc/soapstone mineralization of this outcrop No. 3 is composed of good quality talc. The
talc at this locality is white on fresh surfaces. However long weathered zones it is pale
yellow.
The host rock is highly altered to Talcose Schistose formation. A few samples from outcrops
have been collected from the zone for chemical analysis and the result can be seen as per
enclosed table of chemical analysis.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF JURAGH MORA OUTCROPS

Chemical analysis of 3 samples collected for 4 Mora talc/soapstone has given arrange of 1.2-
2.8% Fe, 31.1-52.7% SiO2, 0.99% Al2O3, 1.27% CaO, 32.30% MgO and 1.7% L.O.1.
SHERWAN DEPOSITES
As seen in attached photos, there are a number of sites being mined and are of high quality
talc being exported to various countries. Some of the companies are exploring the talc for
about 10 years and are very successful in the mining. Upon interviewing the company
representatives, when they started, the clean and exportable talc was explored just after 10
feets of depth behind the face of mountain, and it was of about 12 x 8 feet vein in different
directions. We saw many tunnels working in this region continuously and each one getting
big share of the natural deposits.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION OF TALC/SOAPSTONE

Though there is no general specification of talc/soapstone for its end use in the various
industries and every industry has developed their test technique for testing purposes as the
talc/soapstone can be used in multiple industrial products. However, a high grade talc in
general should be of very pure white in impurities and finally in a grind form. The very
fined slippery specification is mainly required by soap industry. The industrial talc usually
does not require so white pure color. In general, industrial grade are standardized in
accordance to their industrial use so that 90 to 95% can be passed through desired series
duly designed differently for different purpose.
Although, most of the leased area is covered by thick vegetation and soil, accordingly the
exposure of the mineralized zone and geological features required for mapping and
recording of different geological data is difficult to obtain. Moreover due to scarcity of
cultivated land in the area, the local has occupied the barren slopes for cultivation purposes.
As in such type of locality, where almost the entire population is uneducated, prospecting
like excavatory activities in their so called cultivated lands becomes a dilemma.
However, efforts were made to persuade the locals with one way or another and ultimately
during the 2½ year, we somchow succeeded in excavating 55 trenches. 21 pits and 3 small
adits in Juragh and Sarkundai area.

TRANSPORTATION OF MINED OUT MATERIAL/MINE DEVELOPMENT

After, determining the grade and reserves of the prospect, attention was diverted to the
transporation of mined out materials over a long distance of more than 9 kms from mine site
down to road side. However, in order to avoid the high cost of road construction and also to
overcome on the local disputes expected to be encountered during road construction, a cost
effective rope wa system for the transportation was considered feasible. For this purposes a
steel core rope of 18000 feet in length with (12 m.m – 24m.m dia) was purchased from
Lahore based German firm along with Haulage machine. All this ropeway system was
transported about 5000ft upto Husain Kando near Juragh where a basement for the ropeway
system had already been prepared. Mean a hile, a team of forest department personnel came
and stopped our work on account of some Forest law. All the ropeway machinery are still
lying at the basement site (HussainKando).
After stoppage the work on the ropeway system by the Forest Department, the construction
of an approach road upto the mine site was felt necessary and as such the work on the
proposed road was started in the last quarter of 2000. However after completion of about 33
kms road the area was engulfed by a strong political turmoil and thus we were forced to
stop all the mining activities including the work on road. During that time nearly all the
Shangla District particularly our mining site was surrounded either by Army people of
Taliban. Meanwhile, we were strictly advided by the security people to stop all the activities
and evacuate the area.
According under this Force Majeure we discontinued all the mining activities for a
consecutive period of 4 years. However, as the political situation in the area stabilized at the
end of 2011, the work on the road was resumed and now it has reached upto the base of the
deposits and as such transportation of the soapstone recovered during prospection will be
started accordingly.
As soon as we resumed the activities on mine development after the political situation in the
area, the land ownders of the talc bearing areas started to create hindrances and we were not
allowing to work. However, we tried our best to settle the local issue by the local
administration and also by the Mines department, but unfortunately no positive results were
obtained. At last we approached the Chief Minister Secretariat and with their help we were
able to reach some agreements with the locals in the office of the Deputy Commissioner
Alpurai. But now, things have been settled down, and locals are being paid to satisfy their
demands regularly and are under agreement for the lifetime.
 COMPETITIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS IN PAKISTAN AND AMERICAN TALCS
(After Pakistan Journal Of Scientist And Indsutrial Research,
Vol-10, No.4 October 1967)
Name of PAKISTAN Kabul France U.S.S.R Austria U.S.A
elements Jamrud Abbottabad
SiO2 58.14 60.67 57.86 61.00 58.93 61.51 42.73
Al2O3 0.96 1.51 1.87 2.36 3.59 1.74 1.17
Fe2O3 0.83 0.25 0.27 0.83 3.58 0.76 4.93
CaO 2.98 0.46 0.68 0.56 0.72 1.81 0.10
MgO 25.85 31.67 34.67 33.75 29.27 30.09 33.16
L.O.1 10.28 4.68 4.85 1.03 3.58 3.65 17.69
Total 99.04 99.26 100.20 99.53 99.67 99.59 99.78

PROSPECTION
The area under prospection is mostly covered with a thick vegetative cover of soil and
cultivated land and accordingly underlies about 1/3 of talc bearing areas. Now trenching
and pitting in such types of areascame up with great hindrance particularly from the land
owners who created a great hue & cry while working in the nearby vienities. We were only
able to excavate 20 No pits, 30 No trenches and 3o. Adits of various dimensions in the talc
bearing area namely at Juragh, Mora, Matai and Dakan in the surrounding of Juragh and
Sarkundai areas in order to evaluate the deposits.
Most of the above prospecting activities were carried out in the surrounding of Juragh
locality where we were expecting major part of the deposits underneath. Similarly
excavatory activities were also conducted of Juragh, Mora, Matai and dakan in the
surrounding of Sarkundai area. Accordingly after these excavations, we were able to record
the geodata and estimation of the deposit reserves as mentioned in the geological report.
The total excavation has been carried over an area of about 1000sqft. However, the areas
remain closed for about months during the year on account heavy snow fall and many of
these excavations area being filled and covered with glaciated and rain driven materials.
One of the great damage to these excavations was caused on account of a strong political
turmoil which prevailed the entire Shangla Par Districts for a consecutive period of about 5 –
years where in nearly all the activities in ShanglaPar District Particularly in the
surroundings of our leased area was totally closed.
PLANNING PARAMETERS AND PRE-REQUISITE

 Name of the mineral..................................... Soapstone (Pyrophyllite and Staetite)

 Ore to be mined............................................. Steatite (talc/soapstone)
 Specific gravity of the ore............................ 2.8 i.e. 2.8/M3.
 Chemical composition.................................. Hydrous Mag. Silicate MgeS4O2O(OH)2.
 Size of the ore to be produced in large fine lumps also in fine aggregates.
 Daily Production.......................................... 20 tons per day (at very low extent
initially)
  Working days................................................ 6 Days a week.
 Average inclination of the ore body.......... Gently inclined beds/seams / Veins.
 Expected mining losses................................ about 5-10%
 Altitude of the proposed mining site........ 2500 meters ASL
 Aerial distance from road side to the mining site comes to about ( rope way ) 400m

RESERVES
The total economic reserves based on the measurement of the exposed talc/soapstone
bodies at Juragh and Sarkundai area has been estimated to the tune of 1,50,000 tons.
Probable and inferred reserves of the deposits in the mapped area are expected to be about
1.5 million tons based on the geological criteria and topographic configuration of the
mineralized zone.

TABLE SHOWING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF

SHERWAN TALC OUTCROPS

Table No. 1

Lab. Ref. Sample No. Outcrop Fe % SiO3 Al2O3 CaO MgO L.O.1
No. No. % % % % %
17845 72/PM/JM/SSJ/5 3 1.8 56.6 2.2 2.0 31.7 4.9
17846 72/PM/JM/SSJ/6 3 1.8 56.6 1.0 5.4 30.8 4.1
17847 72/PM/JM/SSJ/7 3 2.6 57.0 1.0 1.4 31.9 4.9
17848 72/PM/JM/SSJ/8 3 1.2 53.3 1.1 5.3 33.7 5.0
17849 72/PM/JM/SSJ/9 3 1.2 50.6 2.2 5.4 33.9 6.2
17850 72/PM/JM/SSJ/10 3 1.4 0.0 2.4 5.2 34.3 5.8
17851 72/PM/JM/SSJ/11 3 2.0 50.2 1.2 5.0 35.5 4.9
17852 72/PM/JM/SSJ/12 3 1.4 52.3 4.5 3.2 32.6 6.1
17853 72/PM/JM/SSJ/13 4 1.2 57.0 1.3 3.2 31.9 4.9
17854 72/PM/JM/SSJ/14 5 1.6 56.6 3.2 3.1 25.8 4.5
17855 72/PM/JM/SSJ/15 6 1.2 56.1 2.0 2.9 31.9 3.7
17856 72/PM/JM/SSJ/16 7 1.0 58.2 1.2 2.8 31.8 5.6
17857 72/PM/JM/SSJ/17 8 1.2 58.2 2.3 2.5 30.0 5.5
17858 72/PM/JM/SSJ/18 9 1.4 62.1 1.3 2.8 13.8 3.9
 TABLE SHOWING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF
MATAI TALC OUTCROPS

Table No. 2

Lab. Ref. Sample No. Outcrop Fe % SiO3 Al2O3 CaO MgO % L.O.1
No. No. % % % %
17836 72/PM/JM/7 1 1.4 60.1 1.6 2.5 32.1 1.6
17837 72/PM/JM/7A 1 1.6 57.7 2.5 2.3 32.0 2.9
17838 72/PM/JM/7B 2 1.8 58.0 2.4 3.1 32.0 1.8
17839 72/PM/JM/8 2 1.6 60.1 0.7 2.0 32.1 2.4
17840 72/PM/JM/8A 2 1.4 61.3 0.8 1.0 32.4 1.2
17841 72/PM/JM/8B 3 1.6 62.2 0.4 0.8 31.9 1.8
17842 72/PM/JM/8C 3 1.4 59.7 1.3 1.0 31.7 4.7
17843 72/PM/JM/9 3 1.4 61.1 0.3 0.9 31.6 4.2
17844 72/PM/JM/9A 3 1.6 57.8 1.0 1.8 33.4 3.9

TABLE SHOWING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MORA TALC OUTCROPS

Table No. 3
Lab. Ref. Sample No. Outcr Fe % SiO3 Al2O3 CaO MgO L.O.1
No. op No. % % % % %
17859 72/PM/JM/SSMA/1 1 1.8 52.5 4.6 3.2 31.2 6.0
17860 72/PM/JM/SSMA/2 2 2.8 52.7 1.0 4.2 33.1 5.4
17861 72/PM/JM/SSMA/3 3 1.2 35.7 2.1 43.0 28.0 18.9
17862 72/PM/JM/SSMA/4 3 2.4 38.4 1.2 41.5 29.0 16.4
17863 72/PM/JM/SSMA/5 4 2.0 31.1 3.5 18.6 26.1 18.2
 TABLE SHOWING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF
OUTCROPS NO. 1 OF JURAGH DEPOSIT

Table No. 4

Lab. Ref. Sample No. Fe % SiO3 % Al2O3 CaO % MgO % L.O.1

No. % %
18229 72/PM/JM/114A 1.6 62.0 0.6 0.6 31.0 1.2
18230 72/PM/JM/10-D 1.8 60.1 0.3 1.0 32.0 3.9
18231 72/PM/JM/105 1.2 59.0 1.6 0.9 32.4 4.4
18232 72/PM/JM/102-A 2.0 56.6 5.7 0.9 28.5 2.8
18233 72/PM/JM/101-A 1.4 61.1 1.7 0.8 30.8 3.2
18234 V100 1.6 58.6 2.6 0.9 32.4 3.7
18235 72/PM/JM/104 1.2 59.4 2.9 1.4 31.4 1.9
18236 72/PM/JM/105-D 1.6 58.5 3.1 0.8 35.2 2.2
18237 72/PM/JM/105-C 1.2 58.8 0.7 1.0 32.4 1.3
18238 72/PM/JM/105-B 1.2 58.9 0.4 0.9 31.8 1.0
18239 72/PM/JM/105-A 1.2 58.4 1.0 0.9 32.0 0.9
FINANCIAL ESTIMATION

1- Acquiring land. Agreement and MoU with the land owner of

the target leased land.

Acquiring the land is the main and most important task to do. Land owners are very
susceptible about the miners and they have so many bad experiences with the
miners in the past about the payments, wheather it is for the advance payments or
the regular royalty. They are so uncomfortable with the miners and keep tracking
the leased area as to check what activities are being going on and what amount of
target materials/minerals are being explored.
So, the land owners demand a handsome amount of advance deposits in terms of
agreement or MoU amount to hand over the lease papers and to make a long term
agreement to work and explore the target minerals.
Agreed Advance Amount (Agreement or MoU amount (4 Million) 4,000,000
Already negotiated but will renegotiate again.

2- ROYALTY

This is lawfully agreed in the mining ministry and mining industry to pay the
royalty to locals so as to make their living and to allow mining activities. This
agreement binds the local authorities, local jirga committee and other political
activists or political parties to allow smooth operations. This is the main part of
mining to keep operations running smoothly, otherwise, these stimulies stimulate
and ruin the operations badly. Any financial gap may destroy the show.

Agreed amount of Royalty PKR 2000 per

ton
To be paid with the weigh bridge receipt.
 3- Construction of Roadway
Earth moving machinery will be deployed to make the passage and roadway for a
new selected tunnel point.
1 x Machine per day charges are around PKR 12000 without fuel.
1 x Machine Fuel is around 200 Ltrs of diesel for 8 hours. (20,000 per day)

Roadway works may last for about 10 to 15 days tentatively, depends upon the
distance from main road to the face of tunnel, and may cost as below.
1 x Machine = 32000
15 days = 480,000

Tunnel face opening per square feet

Local labours mostly work on contract basis which are of two types.
1- per square feet
2- per ton basis

An agreed and fixed amount is PKR 1500 per squre feet without log and masala,
provided the electricity, tools, machinery, food, shelter, transportation and other
necessary things for the daily working life.
An estimated digging depth of about 8 to 10 feets inside the tunnel may yield in 8
working hours with 3 men at work simultaneously per tunnel. Because due to the
height and width of the tunnel face is not this much wider to accommodate more
than 3 men simultaneously.

This concludes about 20 tons of mineral (1 x Mini dyna truck) at the initial stage.
To increase the productivity, the quantity of men and tunnels have to be increased
accordingly, on other small distant location of the leased area, keeping in view the
easy and convenient roadway access and minimum inside depth level of target
minerals from the tunnel face.
The more the tunnel points, the more the men, the more the productivity will be
there per day.

Regular provision of mentioned items are necessary for the daily operations.
Log
Fuel
Food
Ballast materials (Licensed)
The complete Digging will cost us about PKR 6000 per square feet which
includes all the materials plus the labour rates.

Its upto our destiny wheather the minerals are at 50 feets depth or 100 feets depth or may be
more deep. But the representatives of the current tunnels said they dig only 50 feet depth
when they started and the target mineral came out in fine lumps form.

Before starting digging works, major startup and initial operations and equipments
have to be supplied on site as mentioned below.

Construction of rooms (about 2 or 3 rooms necessary for many purposes)

Construction of shelter type buffer warehouse for mineral dumping area
Supply and installation of compressor
Supply and installation of 250 KVA or 150 KVA generator. A small generator can
also be deployed to start works at small level but we will need a heavy big generator
for fully equipped power supply.
Supply and installation of Fuel tank
Supply of various types of Mechanical tools
Supply of Drill Machines and all its attachments
Supply of ballasting tools and materials.
Supply and installation of Health and safety equipments
Installation of covered fencing and Entry gate
Provision of 2 x Jeeps 4x4
Provision of Satellite phone
Totalling about 2.5 million approximately.

All these above things are the assets of the company which can not be included in
the cost of target mineral.
The cost of all above things may vary based upon the brand and technical
specifications, that’s why no cost mentioned just to avoid the costing errors.
A rough estimate of the initial investment is around
7.5 Millions to start the works. This may vary
depending upon the depth of the tunnel face to reach
the target mineral.

Regards
Khurram Asif
Director
IceBerg Incorporation