‘Quality of Badin’s coal same as that of Thar’s’
A Reuters file image
Geological experts are in process of compiling a technical report based on the initial analysis of 78 samples collected from the newly discovered coal deposits in Badin and adjoining areas of Southern Sindh.
"The chemical analysis shows the quality of coal is lignite, comparable with Thar coal quality," a senior official privy to petroleum sector developments told APP.
He said the project was prepared and being executed to discover coal resources under alluvium cover in Badin and surrounding areas through drilling activities.
The official added that as many as 15 boreholes with a cumulative depth of 5,719.91 metres had so far been drilled in Pangrio, Jhudo, Tando Bago, Nando Town, Badin Bypass, Mori village, west of Pangrio, Saman Sarkar, south of Pangrio, Pangrio Sugar Mills, Chak Baloch village, Chutto Khan Kaloi, on a patch between Tando Bago and Nando Road and in Pangrio city in Badin and Mirpurkhas districts, covering an area of approximately 2,500 square kilometers.
During the drilling, he said, coal seams were encountered in all boreholes at various depth levels.
The official said 78 coal seams had been encountered with a cumulative thickness of 52.01 metres.
"One sample from each seam has been taken for chemical analysis. The proximate chemical analysis of 78 collected coal samples has been completed through GSP's (Geological Survey of Pakistan) chemical laboratory at its Karachi office," he told APP.
"Report appraisal documents for the compilation of technical report writing based on work done to date is in progress," he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2021.