20000320

Coal deposits discovered in Orakzai agency

PESHAWAR: More deposits of coal, spread over an area of 1200 acres, have been discovered in Orakzai agency near Hangu.

About 700 metres of underground coal is expected in this new discovery. First time the coal was discovered in this region in 1994, PTV reported.

To fully utilise this discovery, after contacting the mineral department the political administration has sent the coal samples for laboratory analysis.

At present in Orakzai agency and near Hangu city, 20 to 25 trucks of coal are mined daily.

About 800 meters of underground coal of good quality is present in Agency's mines and about 2500 families livelihood is related to coal mines here.

Prosperity can be ushered in this area with the introduction of new technology and improvement in the conditions of coal mines. APP