Punjab Minister for Mines & Minerals Muhammad Sibtain Khan has said that there are huge reserves of salt in the province, which will be more than sufficient in next fives centuries. Addressing a meeting with mine owners here, the minister said that a strategy had been prepared to enhance the income of Mine & Mineral Department by exporting natural salt and salt-made items to various countries. He told the mine owners that income of mineral resources had been increased from Rs 320 million to Rs 380 million during the last two years which would be enhanced upto Rs 500 million during the next couple of years.
The minister further said that resources and earning of the department would be ensured to increase through implementation of National Mineral Policy 2002 and amendments in mineral rules.
He also stressed upon the mine owners to use modern machinery and equipment and adopt latest techniques for mining so that maximum reserves could be utilised in minimum possible time.
The mine owners on this occasion apprised the minister of their problems and he assured them of early redressal of their grievances.