Large deposits of soapstone found in Kurram Agency
PESHAWAR: Large deposits of soapstone have been found in Kurram Agency and authorities working over mining and international marketing of about 3.6 million tons deposits.
A meeting was held in Peshawar in connection with mining and international marketing of Kurram Soapstone.
The meeting was attended by officials of FATA Development Authority (FDA), Maniar group of companies and HZM U.F Minerall of Italy.
The meeting was told that Maniar Group was arranging a visit of experts of Mondo Mineral of Germany to the area to work out the reserves of soapstone and enhance its production.
The company informed that they had already secured an annual export order of 10,000 tons soapstone and they were planning to increase the quantum of export to 1,00,000 tons annually through application of modern mining techniques and machinery.
It is to be pointed out that world-class soapstone deposits of about 3.6 million tons are available at an altitude of 10,000 feet, which remain snow covered for more than five months a year and thus the use of conventional machinery is a problem. The company is now planning to import all weather mining machinery.
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Here is the potential what it means on basis of value;
Cost of Installing Soapstone Countertops
Having your home fitted in soapstone could cost you anything up to $50 to $90 per square foot – with most slabs measuring on average 30” by 72”. Slabs with unique details can cost significantly more, and home owners also need to factor in the cost of design work, the shipping and transport of the slabs, and cutting charges.
Most kitchens use 1 ¼” thick slabs, this rules out the need to add a sub base to any existing cabinets.
Many companies also give you the option of having part of the slap fitted with drainage grooves – these are neatly carved into stone.