KARACHI: Commercial production of 660 mega-watt coal fired power would start by 2018, said the Chief Executive Officer of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Corporation (SECMC), Shamsuddin Ahmed Shaikh, here on Thursday.
Addressing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Citizens Foundation to set up school units in Tharparkar against an estimated cost of Rs 148.5 million, he said SECMC was cognizant of its corporate sector responsibility towards the community and area of its activity.
Shaikh also referred to steps taken by the company for providing drinking water and healthcare facilities in the area for which 10% of the project, including land purchase and relocation, was being earmarked.
Highlighting the importance of Thar Coal Mining Project in his presentation during a session arranged for Citizen Foundation, he said deserts in Sindh contained world’s 7th largest reserves, an estimated total of 175 billion tons of coal.
He said SECMC had been allocated Block II in the Thar area that not only has substantial amount of coal but also precious Lignite of which 1.57 billion tones is explorable.
Thar Block II alone can produce 5000 mega-watts for 50 years.
Shamsuddin Shaikh said SECMC had been given the mine lease by 30 years that could be extendable to another 30 years.
Claiming that Thar Coal can be compared to many operating Open Pit Mines of the world, he said the local coal has comparatively higher heating value, lower surplus as well as lower ash contents as compared to other operational mines in the world.
He said stripping ratio and heating value of Thar Bloc II was feasible for successful mines operations and that Lignite could be utilised in power plants both at mines mouth as well as suitable locations as Jamshoro, mainly because Lignite can be transported to other places—as done in China, India and Germany.
A reputable German Company said Shaikh has already confirmed that Lignite from Thar can be safely transported via road and rail.
SECMC chief appreciated both Sindh and Federal governments for their cooperation and support in execution of Thar coal mines and power generation.
He also expressed his gratitude for inclusion of SECMC and Energy Power Generation Limited in China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.
