LAHORE: Highlighting the importance and advantages of local minerals, Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan has said that Pakistan’s coal is environment-friendly and cheapest option for power production.
Giving out details of a meeting to monitor the progress of coal power projects here on Thursday, he said Salt Range has coal reserves of 600 million metric tonne and a project was being finalised to make use of the coal reserves.
The Minister said the local coal was disregarded for power production in the past due to high sulphur, high ash contents and costly conditions for mining. He said China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) will set-up a 300 MW coal power project at Pind Dadan Khan, adding that Chinese engineers have started work on the project which will be completed by the end of 2017.
He said Pind Dadan Khan coal power plant would lure in investment worth rupees 50 billion, besides vast employment opportunities for locals.
Provincial Minister said the second phase of the project is coal mining in Choa Saidaan Shah from which 6000 tonne coal would be procured for Pind Dadan Khan Coal Power Project.
Ch Sher Ali Khan said CMEC was also introducing first-ever mechanised mining in the region and the project would bring an investment of 20 billion rupees. He said an overall investment of 70 billion rupees in the coal and mining projects would usher in a revolution for the country’s economy.
Provincial Minister said overcoming energy crisis is the first priority of the government, adding that Punjab government has set aside huge funds for the promotion of mines and minerals sectors.
