Use of modern mining methods urged
Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal on Wednesday stressed the need for ensuring optimum use of modern technology to explore underground minerals.
He was chairing a meeting to review the performance of Mines and Minerals Department, exploration of underground minerals and leasing of sites here at Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) office. Secretary Mines and Minerals Department, head of monitoring unit, Mines DG, experts and other officers concerned attended the meeting.
The minister said billions of rupees would be invested for setting up of new cement plants in Punjab and an effective policy would also have to be evolved for leasing out of minerals’ sites.
He said cement was an exportable item and foreign exchange could be earned by increasing its production. He directed the authorities to encourage local manufacturing of soda ash.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2020.