Research and Development (R&D) is the mainstay of all scientific and technological activities. The following R&D activities are being carried out at various   Centres/Division of PCSIR Laboratories complex lahore: 

• Identification and evaluation of mineral resources.

• Evaluation and testing of metals and alloys.

• Quality control and evaluation of industrial products.

• Feasibility reports on different mineral based products / industries.

• Advisory services and training facilities to the mineral bases industries and universities.

Achievements:
The lahore Unit of PCSIR has commendable record of achievements. Its scientists and technologists can boast of having completed more then 500 processes. Many of these are in-commercial production. As many as 100 processes have been patented. In addition to applied research, their level of accomplishment in basic research the feedstock for applied research, is further evident from the over 1400 research publications in journal and international standing. The laboratories are assisting the academic institution by provding research facilities to M.Sc. and Ph.D. student, which to date can be counted in the thousand. On their own merit, the researchers of these laboratories are frequently invited to sit on a number of national academic and planning bodies for their expert opinions. Their position in many of these is permanent and their status enviable and highly respective. The industrialists and entrepreneurs are immensely benefiting from the available expertise in their trouble shooting. Services available in the form of analytical work, perparation of feasibility and advisory are being heavily utilized.