SCA awards license for mining feasibility study in Thatta-Sonda coal field

KARACHI: The Sindh Coal Authority (SCA) on Thursday awarded exploring licenses to Sindh Lakhra Coal Mining Company (SLCMC) to conduct feasibility study for development of mining on over 20,000 acres in Thatta-Sonda coal mine.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presiding over SCA board meeting said that significant coal reserves are available at small coal fields of Sonda, Jhimpir, Lakhra, Indus East and Badin, but major mining activity is taking place only at Lakhra while limited activity is in progress at Jhimpir.

Therefore, the chief minister after thorough discussion approved awarding exploration license to SLCMC over 20,000 acres at Thatta-Sonda to conduct feasibility study for development of mining project.

CM Sindh said that the construction of roads was not the job of SCA, and all ongoing projects have been transferred to Works and Services Department. The chief minister being chairman of SCA board also abolished four positions of SCA engineers, including chief engineer, superintendent engineer, executive engineer, assistant director (engineering) and protocol officer. The abolition of these posts would save Rs6.24 million annually.

The board also approved creation of some positions such as assistant director (Finance) BS-17, deputy director (mining) BS-18, and also promoted the positions of stenographers and computer operators.

CM Sindh was information that SCA earned Rs560 million under royalty and cess in years 2015-17. SCA requested the chief minister to enhance the annual aid grant from Rs50 million to Rs90 million. The chief minister obliged  keeping in view the performance and scope of the SCA, and enhanced aid grant to Rs100 million with effect from June 1, 2018.