Rs2bn announced for Thar coal

[LahoreEstate]

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
KARACHI: The government has earmarked Rs2 billion to begin work on the development of infrastructure under the Thar Coal Infrastructure Package on a fast track basis.

This was announced by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah while presenting the provincial budget in the Sindh Assembly here on Monday.“We are moving ahead on the construction of an airstrip at Islamkot. We will continue to work on our multi-track strategy to develop Thar coal field,” he added.

He said that the World Bank assisted TA Loan of $30 million was on the cards and consultants would arrive in Sindh shortly to prepare documents for international bidding.CM pointed out that M/s China National Machinery Corporation and Oracle Coalfield of UK have completed their exploratory work in Sonda and Thar coal fields, and are expected to submit their feasibility reports soon.

Model quarries at Thar and Thatta would be set up in partnership with Pakistan Stone Development Company, he noted.Shah said that the Prime Minister has abolished the controversial Thar Coal Mining Company which was created at the federal level during previous government’s regime and had 80 per cent federal equity, thus signifying that from now on it is the Government of Sindh which will take major decisions regarding Thar coal.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=183143