Punjab govt is taking steps for the exploration of industrial minerals:Ch. Sher Ali Khan

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Ch. Sher Ali Khan has said that Punjab government is taking concrete steps for the exploration and development of industrial minerals including iron ore, coal, dolomite and other raw materials and it will be  prepared hopefully in 2016 to produce iron ore from Chiniot reservoirs after completion of its resource estimation and feasibility.

He was addressing the concluding session of 4^th International Minerals, Steel & Downstream Engineering Industries Conference and Exhibition Pakistan 2015 organized by private steel mills sector, here today. Tariq Ijaz Chaudhry CEO of Engineering Development Board, Riaz T. Chinoy Chairman International Industries Limited, Yousaf Mirza International Steel Ltd., Anjum Mahmood Butt Chairman Pakistan Steel Linepipe Association, Iqbal Tariq Chairman Pakistan Steel Melters Association, Khalid Javed Chairman Pakistan Steel Rerolling Mills Association and concerned from steel mills industry attended the conference.

Minister Mines Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that development and progress of industry is linked with production of energy and Pakistan is facing shortage of energy causing low production. He said that Punjab government has started a number of projects to meet the demand of energy sector under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project of 1200 mw, Pind Dadankhan coal power project of 300 mw are under completion and will be functional with local coal instead of imported coal.

Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that national and international investors would be invited to build steel mills at Chiniot with local iron ore after its feasibility report which will enhance the economy of the country and also create thousands of job opportunities for local citizens. He said that in India 60 percent power production is through coal energy while less than one percent electricity is produced with coal in Pakistan which is a serious concern. Punjab government is providing lucrative incentives and conducive atmosphere to local and international investors for investment in energy and other industrial sectors under public private partnership.

Speakers from steel manufacturing industry and experts also expressed their views for the promotion of industrial minerals and development of engineering industries in the conference.