‘Mineral development necessary for self-sufficiency’

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the future of the country is closely linked with the development of the minerals, livestock, dairy and agriculture sectors. He was presiding over a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the implementation of the mineral development projects in the province. He said self-reliance could only be achieved by developing these sectors. He directed that a core committee be set up for the speedy implementation of the mining and energy projects, adding that the committee should meet twice a month for this purpose. He instructed that the Mine Labourers Residential Colony construction project be launched immediately, saying that the project would cost Rs 1 billion. He said modern technology must be utilised to develop the sector, adding that the Punjab government was focused on mineral development and solid measures were taken for this purpose.
Energy Secretary Shahid Mehmood gave a briefing regarding the implementation of the Chiniot/Rajoa and Kalabagh Iron Ore Projects. He said data had been collected by conducting a survey of 337 mines and a 40 tonne iron ore sample had been sent to Germany for analysis. The quality of coal discovered at various locations in the Punjab was also being tested.
He added that companies from China, Russia and Germany were bidding for the Chiniot/Rajoa Iron Ore Project. Geologist Dr Fuzail A Saddique informed the CM that 110 million tonnes of iron ore reserves had been identified in Chiniot and there were indications that other minerals, including copper, gold, nickel and cobalt would also be discovered. He said high grade coal had been discovered in Mianwali and there were prospects of coal reserves in Cholistan as well. Provincial Minister for Mines Ch Abdul Ghafoor, Planning and Development Chairman Javed Aslam, Special Initiatives Entity Chairman Haroon Khawaja, the energy secretary and other experts were present at the occasion.