It is a matter of great pleasure that a multinational entity, Noble Energy through its Pakistan representative office Pacific Chartering & Trading Pvt Ltd is organising an International Coal Conference in Islamabad, with special reference to "Development & Utilisation of Thar Coal".
It was in late 80's when some indications of carbonaceous organic matter in exploratory drill holes for fresh water, drilled by Sindh arid zone authority, inspired the geological survey of Pakistan to carry out coal exploration in Thar desert. As a result of that availability of huge coal deposit was confirmed in 90's.
Because of its extra ordinary importance for power generation, industrial development and economy, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Sindh and Sindh coal authority are making day in and day out efforts to develop this reserve for power generation purpose.
Efforts are so extensive that progress is being monitored on daily basis. We are confident that on the first day of 2005, installation and commissioning of first mine mouth power plant would be inaugurated.
Ministry of Mines & Minerals has a strategic role in promoting economic development and the inhabitants of Thar are already witnessing some of the benefits of infrastructure development.
At the end I wish to congratulate the country manager Noble Energy Inc Captain Abdul Rasheed Abro and his entire team for their keen interest in organising International Coal Conference, and wish them all the best for highlighting the prospects of foreign direct investment in Thar Coal Project on global basis.