Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting on Thursday which reviewed in detail the progress on iron ore reserves project in Chiniot. The Chinese, German, Canadian and Irish scientists presented initial report to the Chief Minister regarding the progress on the project according to which 150 million ton high quality iron ore reserves have been measured and certified in Chiniot area.
Shahbaz expressed his satisfaction over the measurement and verification of iron ore reserves and appreciated the performance of Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali, Chairman P&D Jehanzeb Khan, Secretary Mineral Dr Arshad Mehmood, his team and the Chinese, German, Canadian and Irish experts.
The CM said this project is of vital importance for strengthening Pakistan's economy and work has been carried out with commitment regarding estimates of iron ore reserves. He lauded the progress on the project and congratulated concerned authorities and all experts. Shahbaz was informed that the initial estimates about the quantity of iron ore reserves and their verification is enough to operate a steel mill having annual production of one million ton for thirty years in Punjab.
He also directed to continue work on the second phase of the project. He said that under second phase, international consultants and drilling companies have qualified through international bidding. Foreign experts and Secretary Minerals Punjab gave detailed briefings to the Chief Minister regarding the progress on the project. Chinese Consul General Yu Born, Provincial Ministers Sher Ali Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq, Additional Chief Secretary, concerned secretaries besides experts and scientists of China, Germany, Canada and Ireland working on the project were present on the occasion.