Monday, March 15, 2010

Pakistan Government To Launch Iron Ore Exploration Plan

A report in the Pakistani newspaper, the Pakistan Observer, suggests that the government of Pakistan is to explore for local deposits of iron ore for industrial purposes. The plan is being formulated by the Engineering Development Board as part of the country’s national steel policy.

Under the plan 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore will be mined each year by 2020.

The Pakistani government and the EDB will also give incentives for investors in the steel sector.

The report did not specify where the exploration will take place.

Iron ore is widespread in Pakistan and since the late-eighties, discoveries have been made in Balochistan and Punjab. However, much of the iron ore is low-grade and the country’s steel mills import much of their supply.

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