KARACHI: Pakistan’s first technical mining conference will be held in Karachi on Aug. 6, with major mining companies from the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Germany and China expected to participate and billions of dollars in potential foreign investment agreements likely to be signed.
The conference aims to promote international investment in Pakistan’s mineral resources and introduce modern mining technologies to the country, according to Sindh Engro Mining Company CEO Amir Iqbal.
Iqbal said coal from Thar would eventually be supplied to power plants across the country through a dedicated railway network. A new railway line for transporting coal from Thar is expected to become operational early next year.
The third phase of Thar Block II is scheduled to begin next month, while Lucky Power Plant is also expected to start receiving Thar coal from next month, Iqbal said.
He added that $1.4 billion has so far been invested in Sindh Engro Mining Company, describing the investment as a significant development for Pakistan’s energy and mining sectors.
The conference comes as Pakistan seeks to attract greater foreign investment into its mineral sector and improve the use of modern technology in mining and resource development.
Successful implementation of the expected agreements could generate investment across mining, energy, transportation and related industries while creating new employment opportunities.
