Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Ch. Sher Ali Khan has said that Punjab government is benefitting from modern technology for the development of mines sector and eliminating energy crises. He said that work is continuing speedily on three hindered mega watt coal-based power project at Pind Daden Khan which will be completed by 2018 with a total foreign investment of 70 billion rupees.
He said this while presiding over a meeting to review progress on mines projects in Salt Range, today. Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that coal is the only solution of eliminating energy crises in the country. He said that Punjab government is introducing environment-friendly technology for environment free coal power plants. He said that Chinese company is using semi-mechanized mines technology at Chua Saiden Shah for coal mining from where 6000 ton coal will be prepared for using at Pind Daden Khan coal power plant at a cost of 20 billion rupees. He said that the volume of investment by Chinese company at Pind Daden Khan is 50 billion rupees. Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that 93 percent electricity is being produced from coal in South Africa, 81 percent in China, 71 percent in India while 69 percent in Australia. He said that more than 600 million ton coal reserves exist in salt Range through which cheap electricity can be produced. He said that job opportunities will be available to the local youth from coal mining projects at Chua Sedan Shah and Pind Daden Khan coal power plant.