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MoU signed with Chinese firm on coal mining

An MoU was signed between the Punjab government and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for mechanical mining of indigenous coal in Salt Range here on Sunday.

 Secretary Minerals Dr Arshad Mahmood signed the MoU on behalf of the Punjab government while Vice President Jingkai on behalf of the CMEC. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest of the function held at Model Town. Under the agreement, renowned Chinese Company will carry out mechanical mining of coal through modern methods in Salt Range.

Besides modern mining, the Punjab government and CMEC will also extend cooperation to each other for development of indigenous coal and its economic use. CMEC will use this coal obtained through modern mechanical methods instead of manual for the proposed power plants.

The chief minister while terming the signing of MoU between the Punjab government and CMEC a welcome step said that friendship between Pakistan and China had converted into strategic partnership. He said a number of Chinese companies were making investment in energy, infrastructure and other sectors. Shahbaz Sharif said that 600 million ton coal reserves existed in Punjab which could be used in energy sector.

He said the agreement with regard to mining of indigenous coal through modern methods by CMEC in this regard was a good omen. He said that with the agreement of Chinese Company, indigenous coal would be used in the energy sector. Besides Chairman CMEC Sun Bai and senior officials of Chinese Company, Additional Chief Secretary Energy and the officials concerned were also present on the occasion. Sun Bai said Chinese Company would extend full cooperation in mechanical mining of coal and installing energy generating projects in Punjab. He said the agreement made with the Punjab government in mining and energy sector would be implemented speedily.

Source: www.thenews.com.pk