KARACHI: The Sindh government has allowed the establishment of coal-based power plants in the Tarai Block of the Badin coalfield.
In a meeting presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Monday, it was informed that initially a 300MW power plant would be set up.
According to an official handout, the chief minister said that besides coal mining, power generation is essential for the progress and development of the country, and companies intending to carry out mining works with power generation tasks would be encouraged.
Shah said the country, particularly the Sindh province, is in acute need of electricity, which is essential for development and progress of industries.
He underlined the need to concentrate on implementation of the projects with zeal and devotion so that shortage of power is met and other allied facilities including job opportunities to youth are fulfilled.
Earlier, a detailed statement about the power project for Pakistan was presented by the Roadways Pakistan (Pvt) Limited with regard to Badin coalfield. It was informed that there are a total of 275.98 million tonnes reserves for coal seam no 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the total reserves there of mine-able coal seams is 212.58 millions tonnes, out of which 151.669 million tonnes are underground reserves that can last for 60 years with a production of 2.4 million tonnes per annum.
It was informed that a power plant up to 500MW capacity can be constructed, based on the coal reserves of the area, as the coal is lignite `A` type with relatively low sulphur and quite suitable for use in power plants.
It was informed that at Tarai block, with an area of 46-km, there are about 80 million tonnes of mine-able of lignite coal and this location would be able to provide about 2.5 million tonnes of coal annually for 60 years, while the mining allows power generation of about 600MW.
The meeting was informed that in the first stage, a 300MW power plant would be built.
Peter Markasek of the Commercial Dutch Czech Republic Export Credit Agency presented the details.
Regarding social benefits, 500 people would work on regular employment while 1,000 would be provided jobs in the power plants on regular or contractual basis.
The group also undertook to invest at least two percent (approx 4.5 million euros/ Rs 500 million per year for the life of the project i.e. 30 years) of the total project and hospitals, schools, colleges, technical institutes and other infrastructure like roads, parks etc would also be developed.
The Sindh chief minister allowed the group to go ahead and assured that all assistance will be provided for the projects. A committee headed by the additional chief secretary (P&D) with mines and mineral development secretary, finance secretary, law secretary and the secretary to chief minister was also constituted that would finalise various issues and will present its report within a week.
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