Punjab govt allocates Rs 300-mn for mining

Lahore: The Punjab government has set aside Rs 300 million for the Mines and Mineral Department in the provincial budget. The amount is 46 percent more that the previous one. Minister for Mines and Mineral Raja Riaz Ahmad told a delegation of mines owners association at his office on Wednesday.

All out efforts will be made to expand and promote mines sector on modern lines so that natural resources could be fully exploited, he said. 'Investment in natural resources will also be helpful in increasing provincial revenue as we have good number of mineral resources', he added. He also told mines owners to ensure proper implementation of safety rules. He also assured the delegation that improvement in basic infrastructure in mining areas would be made to help investors.