LAHORE: The provincial government is utilising latest technology for development of the mines sector and overcoming the prevailing energy crisis in the country.
This was stated by Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan, while presiding over a meeting to review progress on mines projects in Salt Range. He said that work was continuing speedily on three hindered mega watt coal-based power project at Pind Daden Khan which would be completed by 2018 with a total foreign investment of Rs 70 billion.
Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that coal was the only solution of eliminating energy crises in the country, adding that Punjab government was introducing environment-friendly technology for environment free coal power plants. He said that a Chinese company was using semi-mechanized mines technology at Chua Saiden Shah for coal mining from where 6000 ton coal would be prepared for using at Pind Daden Khan coal power plant at a cost of Rs 20 billion. He said that the volume of investment by Chinese company at Pind Daden Khan was Rs 50 billion.
The minister said that 93 percent electricity was being produced from coal in South Africa, 81 percent in China, 71 percent in India while 69 percent in Australia. He said that more than 600 million ton coal reserves existed in salt Range through which cheap electricity could be produced. He said that job opportunities would be available to the local youth from coal mining projects at Chua Sedan Shah and Pind Daden Khan coal power plant.
