Iron ore reserves are spread over 150 km in Punjab:Ch Muhammad Shafiq

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment Ch. Muhammad Shafiq has said that the iron ore reserves are spread over 150 km in Punjab. He said that best steel of the world can be made through iron ore of Chiniot.

He said that vast opportunities of investment exist in mining sector in Punjab. He said that Punjab government will provide all facilities and protection to the investors setting up industry in the province.

He said this while talking to an 8-member delegation led by President Ann Steel of China Li Dong Yai.

Provincial Ministers for Minerals Ch. Sher Ali, Chairman Board of Investment Abdul Basit, Secretary Industry Nabeel Javed, Secretary Minerals Dr. Arshad Mehmood and other senior officers were present on the occasion. Secretary Industry Nabeel Javed, Secretary Minerals Dr. Arshad Mehmood gave briefings to the delegations about mineral reserves in Chiniot.

They told that hematite and magnetite exist in iron ore which can be used in heavy industries and infrastructure including manufacturing vehicles, aeroplanes and rail bogies . They told that Punjab government is working in 8 km area from its own resources and digging work has been carried out at 32 various places including Chiniot.

Ch. Muhammad Shafiq told the delegation that Punjab government is considering to set up steel industrial Park in Chiniot and all basic facilities including trained manpower, water roads and train facilities will be provided to the investors for mining and processing of iron ore. He said that complete protection will be provided to their investment.

Ch. Shafiq said that the total production of steel mill of Pakistan is 101 million ton whereas there is great demand of steel in local market.

President Ann Steel of China Li Dong Yai said on the occasion that his company is interested in investment in Punjab. He said that a team of experts will visit Chiniot so that the project could be given a practical shape.