With its abundant resources in precious and semi-precious gemstones, Pakistan can have a significant competitive advantage in the gem and jewelry market. However, mining technology and processes are rudimentary and unscientific resulting in significant wastage at the extraction stage. Indiscriminate blasting damages the gemstone crystals and mineral specimen thus drastically reducing their value. In majority of the mines basic machinery and equipment like compressors and drill sets are not available. A large number of mines are currently inactive due to lack of equipment.

The SWOG has highlighted a need for establishing Common Training and Facility Centers to upgrade mining practices in Pakistan. The CFTMC will perform two major functions:

The overall objective of the CFTMC is to modernize mining practices, reduce wastage, improve the quality of extracted gems, and thereby increasing the income of miners. Training will improve the skills of those already in the mining industry and train new entrants, leading to an increase in the overall productivity of workers and hence better quality output. Provision of machines will have an immediate impact in terms of rehabilitation of inactive mines and improved production of ones already functioning. The SWOG has highlighted the need for mining CFTMCs in Balochistan, NWFP, Northern Areas and Tribal Areas.