Minerals exploration: Punjab government to spend Rs8.6m

Due to lack of modern technology, hidden potential remained untapped, sources said.

LAHORE:

Punjab government will spend Rs8.6 million on minerals and ores exploration across the province during the current fiscal year.

“Pakistan has large scale mines and ores but due to lack of modern technology; the hidden potential has remained untapped over the years,” official sources told APP on Monday.

The government had undertaken ten projects related to exploration and excavation sector but there was little development in this regard. However, the government intends to establish a mining estate in Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali, Chakwal and Khushab while spade work at iron mines in Chiniot was underway, during the current fiscal year.

According to experts, there are huge iron deposits in these areas. According to an estimate, enormous coal reserves are present in the Potohar ranges and the government will start two mega projects to produce power from coal, said the sources.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2012.