Russians have showed interest in coal mining and setting up coal-fired power plants in Sindh. In this regard, a Russian delegation, headed by Chairman Board of Russian Institute of Coal Industries, held a meeting with Sindh Mines and Mineral Development Minister Irfanullah Khan Marwat here on Wednesday.
The delegation informed the minister about their huge investment plans in coal mining and power plants in Sindh and sought government co-operation in this respect.
The minister welcomed the delegation plan for investment in Sindh, saying that federal and provincial governments will extend their full co-operation to them.
He pointed out that at present, very large coal reserves exist in Thar area and told them to first visit Thar and then Sonda, Jheruk, and Thatta and select the site of their choice to start work. Marwat said in Thar, roads are ready, sweet water exists, telephone facility available besides a small airport and a hotel under-construction.
He said a Chinese company is already working on coal mining project in Thar while another Chinese company is setting up a power plant in Sonda, Jheruk on which they will start work from December 6. The provincial minister told the delegation that companies of various countries are showing interest in coal-fired power plant and mining in Sindh.
He said these projects will result in meeting power shortage and reducing unemployment, adding these projects would entail large scale investment which will result in massive development in Sindh. Sindh Mines Secretary Abdul Hameed Akhund and Coal Development Authority DG Abbas Ali Shah were also present in the meeting.