Senior Provincial Minister, Raja Riaz Ahmad has directed that work on exploring iron deposits should be started immediately. He said that in the areas of Mianwali, Chiniot and Rajwah steps should be taken to get benefit from national resources and all aspects should be examined including establishment of Mini Steel Mill.
He was presiding over a meeting of the committee constituted by the Chief Minister Punjab. Vice Chairman of Board of Investment Punjab Pir Saad Ahsanuddin, Secretary Mines and Mineral Development Saifullah Chattha, DG Mineral Development Akhtar Javed and others attend the meeting.
Senior Minister asked to ensure foolproof arrangements for open auction of iron and steel. He said that including Germany and China representatives from local steel industry should also be consulted. He added that during auction media should be invited to ensure maximum transparency. Senior Minister also directed to immediately lift the ban on recovering of small scale iron ore and form comprehensive policy on large scales within two weeks.
Vice Chairman of Board of Investment, Pir Saad Ahsanuddin highlighted important aspects of mines and mineral sector. Secretary Mines and Mineral Development, Saifullah Chattha told about different procedures and assured that in the light of observations of Chief Minister Punjab new integrated policy would be established very soon.