ISLAMABAD: The government needs to devise a mechanism for proper extraction of osmium from direct earthen sources and its export to other countries to boost the national economy, WealthPK reports.
The proper extraction of osmium from direct earthen sources and as an accessory element is still untapped in Pakistan. The extraction of this precious element from earthen sources is still not framed. While as an accessory, a sufficient quantity of osmium probably could unknowingly be exported, depriving the country of a great fortune.
Muhammad Yaqub Shah, the principal geologist at Global Mining Company and former general manager of geology in Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, told WealthPK that osmium was a member of the Platinoid Group of Elements (PGEs). He said that Gilgit-Baltistan had the treasure of PGEs in different ratios in its different areas where outcrops of ultramafic rocks and sulphide bodies were exposed.
Osmium is also an accessory element and can be found with a few metals like chromium, copper, and nickel, etc. Chrome is mined in Muslim Bagh, Bajaur, Kurram, Kohistan and Mohmand areas and its concentrates are exported. The same is the case with copper and other metals with which osmium can be found. Although it is never tried before in Pakistan at any official level, it is expected that placers of osmium can be found in the black sands of Balochistan and along the banks of the Indus River.
He said that the government should establish a well-equipped laboratory for every mineral concentrate consignment to check the presence of trace/accessory elements other than the principal metal before exporting it to other countries. The test certificate of the laboratory should be made mandatory for all individuals and mining companies interested to trade in mineral concentrates. “The assurance that the value of every trace element found in the concentrate other than the principal mineral must also be a part of the trade conditions,” he added.
Yasir Shaheen Khalil, an assistant director at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), told WealthPK that osmium is an important element, which must be extracted for the socio-economic benefits of the country. The lack of facilities for concentration, smelting and final analysis of all trace elements is depriving Pakistan of a great source of income.
“It is important to establish mineral concentration units, smelting plants and final analysis laboratories. Indigenous technologies must be developed by local engineers to mine and process such highly precious metals. It will not only help the country to get economic gains but will also improve its defence,” he added.
Like gold and silver, osmium is a precious metal. In the month of September 2022, its price per gram was recorded at €1.826.48 and is expected to grow at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% by the year 2030.
Hard but brittle bluish grey osmium is the densest natural stable element with a density of 22.59 g/cm3 slightly denser than iridium. It is found as a trace element in platinum ores having low compressibility and remaining lustrous even at high temperatures. It is resistant to rust and corrosion. It is non-toxic but its oxide is volatile.
Although the uses of osmium are limited, performing no specific biological role, it is vastly used in daily life products. It is used as a hard alloy to craft fountain pen tips, electrical contacts, needles, instrument pivots and other applications where extreme durability and hardness are needed. It is also a novel catalyst to be used in the chemical industry.
According to the research conducted by WealthPK, the proper extraction of osmium and its export to other countries can help in strengthening the national economy. The authorities need to chalk out effective policies for mining, proper processing and trade of all minerals in the country.
-INP
