K-P temporarily approves coal mines in Darra Adam Khel

Directs implementation of safety measures in mines across province

PESHAWAR: The provincial government on Friday agreed, in principle, to establish coal mines in Darra Adam Khel apart from building roads to service mines established in the newly-merged tribal districts.

This was discussed during a meeting to review the progress of the mines and mineral departments in Peshawar on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan.

During the meeting, Mahmood expressed his satisfaction over the steps taken to control and regulate illegal mining in the province.

He added that the mining sector has an important role to play in generating revenues and stabilizing the economy.

Another Darra Adam Khel coal mine

In this regard, CM Mahmood directed the department to take pragmatic measures for maximizing revenue generation from this sector.

He added that national and international investors should be facilitated to attract maximum domestic and foreign investment.

The chief minister further directed to ensure that all safety and precautionary measures are taken in mines established in the erstwhile federally administered tribal areas (Fata).

Earlier, CM Mahmood was briefed about the necessary steps required for attracting investors in the newly-merged tribal districts, including making amendments to the Mineral Sector Governance Act 2017, the Mines Safety and Regulation Act 2019, establishing modern weigh stations, building service roads for mineral-rich areas in ex-Fata areas, establishment of rescue sub-stations in the mining areas, modern coal mines in Dara Adam Khel, digitization and one-window service delivery and monitoring of illegal mining.

Mahmood was also informed about the revenue generated from levying fines on illegal mining.

The meeting was attended by the K-P Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Mines & Mineral Minister Dr Amjad Ali, Principal Secretary to CM Shahab Ali Shah, Mines director-general, finance secretary and other officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2019.