Punjab to spend Rs.300-mn for mining sector

Lahore: The government is spending an amount of Rs.300 million on the execution of 20 different developmental schemes in the field of mines and mineral sector in Punjab for expanding mining sector by focusing on discovery and exploration of new mineral resources and to promote and facilitate mines and mineral development and exploration and to attract foreign and local investments in this sector.

This was stated by Senior Minister/ Minister for Mines and Mineral, Raja Riaz Ahmad while talking to a delegation of mines owners association at his office, here today.

Raja Riaz maintained that the government wants to expand and enhance public sector investment for exploration/ resource mapping and development of geological database for mineral exploration. The government is also committed to develop schemes for welfare and safety of mines workers besides providing and developing necessary infrastructure in the mining areas.

Besides ensuring mine workers' welfare, provision of medical care facilities is also ensured, he maintained. Raja Riaz said that Punjab government is strengthening and up-grading rescue and safety stations and training centers for mine workers.

The mines and mineral department is also spending Rs.98 million on exploration and evaluation of iron ore deposit in Rajoa near Chinot.