Sub-committees formed for steel sector development in Pakistan
Monday, 18 August 2008
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): The committee on exploration, mining, leasing and development for preparation of National Steel Policy decided to establish four sub-committees for identification of iron ore, public and private partnership in exploration, development of infrastructure and capacity building. The decision was taken during the meeting of the committee held at Engineering Development Board (EDB) under the chairmanship of Committee's Convener and Director General, Geological Survey of Pakistan, Dr Imran Khan. These sub-committees will complete their work by August 24, according to an EDB press release.
The committee also finalized its Terms of Reference (TOR) including identification of iron ore and coal deposits suitable for manufacture of steel under the public-private partnership, development of infrastructure and logistic facilities, identification and acquisition of energy efficient and cost effective technologies suitable for processing local raw material and establishment of mini-steel plants at mine heads.
The committee was informed that Pakistan has 947.5 million tons reserves of iron-ore in the country at Kalabagh, Dilband Kalat District, Kirana Sargodha District, Nizampur NWFP, Pezu, NWFP, Pachinkoh, Chaghi District, Langrial, Hazara Division, Chilghazi, Chaghi District, Amir Chah, Chaghi District, Dammer Niasar, Chitaral District, Chignedik, Chaghi District.
The Pakistan Steel Mills is making efforts to increase the portion of local iron ore to 20 per cent, the press release added. It was felt that Geological Survey of Pakistan needed to take up the job of preparation of pre-feasibility studies so that local and foreign investors could be invited in the mining industry.
The representatives of NWFP Government informed the committee that the Mineral Department was contributing Rs.300 million annually to the provincial exchequer in the shape of various levies and fees on mineral sector and they have a liberal policy to grant leasing rights to private sector.
The committee also finalized its Terms of Reference (TOR) including identification of iron ore and coal deposits suitable for manufacture of steel under the public-private partnership, development of infrastructure and logistic facilities, identification and acquisition of energy efficient and cost effective technologies suitable for processing local raw material and establishment of mini-steel plants at mine heads.
The committee was informed that Pakistan has 947.5 million tons reserves of iron-ore in the country at Kalabagh, Dilband Kalat District, Kirana Sargodha District, Nizampur NWFP, Pezu, NWFP, Pachinkoh, Chaghi District, Langrial, Hazara Division, Chilghazi, Chaghi District, Amir Chah, Chaghi District, Dammer Niasar, Chitaral District, Chignedik, Chaghi District.
The Pakistan Steel Mills is making efforts to increase the portion of local iron ore to 20 per cent, the press release added. It was felt that Geological Survey of Pakistan needed to take up the job of preparation of pre-feasibility studies so that local and foreign investors could be invited in the mining industry.
The representatives of NWFP Government informed the committee that the Mineral Department was contributing Rs.300 million annually to the provincial exchequer in the shape of various levies and fees on mineral sector and they have a liberal policy to grant leasing rights to private sector.