Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan possesses abundant reserves of silicon, especially in the Sindh province, but these deposits await exploitation and processing to save the country huge foreign exchange spent on the mineral’s import for a variety of local uses. Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Yaqub, a member of the Sectoral Council for Marble, Granite, and Minerals, the Ministry of Finance, said the production and processing of silicon could lead to robust industrial growth and the creation of jobs. He said Pakistan could even export the surplus amount of silicon to earn precious foreign exchange and cut its import bill. Yaqub said silicon was the 8th abundantly found element in the universe. “The earth’s crust consists of 27.7% silicon and 90% silicate minerals (the largest rock-forming class).

It is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen,” he explained, saying the principal source to extract silicon was quartz. “Metamorphic rocks/quartzite also consists of at least 80% quartz by volume. It occurs in sedimentary rocks, e.g., silica. The other sources include feldspar, rock crystals, agate, flint, opal, amethyst, talc, etc.” Yaqub said both metamorphic and sedimentary rocks were abundantly found throughout Pakistan, especially the Sindh province was rich in sedimentary rock types. Silicon is widely used because of its resilience, temperature resistance, chemical stability and good electrical insulation properties.

Because of its chemical inertness, silicone rubber is most commonly used in flexible moulds, heat-resistant seals, electrical insulators, gaskets, caulks, O-rings and insulation for technical wiring and surgical implants. In the medical field, silicon is used to make feeding tubes, tubing, drains, catheters, syringe pistons, long and short-term implants, scar treatment silicon sheets, gels, non-stick containers, respiratory masks, personal care products, etc.  Silicon is resistant to weather, moisture and sunlight. It improves the durability, performance and efficiency of the solar panels. Computer accessories like keyboards, keypads, copier rollers, mobile electronics, and LED lights are manufactured using multiple forms of silicon.

Silicon is extensively used in the aviation industry to protect/seal fuel tanks, doors, windows, landing gear, black boxes, vent ducts, electrical devices, overhead bins, hydraulic switches, etc.   It enables bonding between materials, such as self-adhesive labels. Silicon paper is used to pack food products and also protects machines and equipment from moisture and grease. Siliconised paper is resistant to moisture, cold, heat, and ultraviolet radiation. Silicon is important for durable constructions as it reduces energy usage as a sealant and prevents leakage, moisture, and bacteria in many fixtures and home appliances. Silicon is used to make wall paints and coatings weather resistant. It is also used in making waterproof sports goods and apparel.

Pakistan imports silicon in different forms from China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Credit: INP-WealthPk