Assembly Business

List of Business

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

ORDERS OF THE DAY

MONDAY, THE 1^ST FEBRUARY, 2010.

Business to be brought forward before the Legislature on Monday, the 1^st February, 2010 at 10.00 a.m.

I.          (A) RECITATION FROM THE HOLY QUR’AN.

(B) NAAT SHAREEF.

II.       QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

(Mines & Mineral Development Department)

III.    LEAVE APPLICATION OF MEMBERS, IF ANY.

IV.    PRIVILEGE MOTION NO.1 OF 2010; GIVEN NOTICE OF BY SYED JAVED

        HUSSAIN SHAH, MPA AND DR. NASRULLAH BALOCH, MPA.

V.     ADJOURNMENT MOTION, IF ANY.

VI.  CONSIDERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT BILL NO.17 OF 2009-THE LAND

       ACQUISITION (SINDH AMENDMENT) BILL, 2009.

 KARACHI, THE                                                       SECRETARY

Summary of Proceedings

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

MINES & MINERALS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

MONDAY THE 01^ST FEBRUARY, 2010.

*1425. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

The total District-wise revenue from auction of Royalty rights on all types of surface minerals during the Period 1^st July, 2005 till 30^th June, 2006, 1^st July, 2006 till 30^th June, 2007,      1^st July, 2007 till 30^th June, 2008 and 1^st July, 2008 till 31^st December, 2008?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

The total district wise revenue from auction of royalty rights on all type of Surface Minerals during the period 1^st July, 2005 till 30^th June, 2006, 01^st July, 2006 till 30^th June, 2007    01^st July till 30^th June, 2008 and 01^st July, 2008 till 31^st December, 2008 is as under:-

*1525. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that several leases and mining concessions have been cancelled in the province during 1st January, 2008 to 20th February, 2009;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

It is clarified that only four (04) Exploration Licences have been cancelled during the period of 01.01.2008 to 20.02.2009 due to non-performance. Details are as under:-

Details of Non-Performance:

As per conditions of MOU and Exploration Licence the contracting firms were required to conduct feasibility study of the proposed areas comprising following scope of work:-

(i)    Detailed investigation and survey of the area.

(ii)   To develop coalmine and to assess the quantity of coal for requisite integrated coal fired power plant power station.

(iii)  To determine the suitable quantity and quality of coal to become viable and safely mined, handled & transported to the proposed site.

(iv)   Feasibility studies containing the detailed plans for development and operation of mine.

(v)    Capacity and expected site of production and scale of operations.

vi)    Environmental impact assessment.

vii)   To identify the extent of any adverse effect due to the proposed mining operation.

(viii) Proposal for prevention of pollution, treatment and disposal of wastes, safeguarding, reclamation and rehabilitation of land disturbed by mining operation.

(ix)   Detailed forecast of capital investment, operating costs and revenues as well as anticipated type and source and extent of financing.

The contracting firms failed to fulfill the above requirements of the feasibility study and did not furnish report within stipulated period, and also failed to comply with terms and conditions of the grant of Exploration License. Therefore exploration licenses were cancelled due to non-performance.

*1526. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

Details/list of public and private sector proposals received for the development of Thar Coal Reserves during the period from 1^st January, 2008 to 20th February, 2009?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

During the specific period from 01.01.2008 to 20.02.2009, Mines & Mineral Development Department, Government of Sindh, through International Competitive Bidding (ICB), invited Expression of Interest (Eol), for a joint venture for the development of Thar Coalfield. Following Companies applied for joint venture with Government of Sindh:-

M/s Engro Power Gen was short-listed by the Evaluation Committee of TCEB. Subsequently, the proposal received a go-ahead by the President of Pakistan on 27.05.09. A Committee under ACS (Dev) has been constituted to negotiate terms & conditions of JV Agreement, after which matter will be placed before Cabinet and TCEB for final approval.

*1579. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

The total area in acres leased out to Lucky Cement Factory for quarrying and mining purposes as in Karachi and Thatta Districts alongwith the revenue earned by the Department for the said leases during the period 1^st July, 2008 till 30^th June, 2009?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

M/s Lucky Cement Factory has been leased out 9653.31 acres for quarrying and mining purpose in District Karachi and District Dadu, now Jamshoro. No area has been leased out to M/s. Lucky Cement Factory in District Thatta.

The revenue collected from the firm during the period from 1^st July, 2008 till 30^th June, 2009 is Rs. 4,01,72,980/-

*1984. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

Names of companies to whom land allotted in acres during the period from 01-01-2005 to 30-04-2009 for setting up cement plants and using raw materials, whether some companies have yet to commence production of cement?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

It is submitted that this Department through Directorate General have granted the mining leases for the mineral Lime Stone and Shale Clay, as a raw material, in District Karachi and Jamshoro to the following companies from 01-01-2005 to 30-04-2009, for installation of the cement plant.

As regards commencement of production of cement is concerned, the above companies have not started production of cement due to non-installation of the cement plants. The pending of cement plants/production of above companies are fall under valid period/within expiry period.

·         In accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant parties are bound to install cement plants within five years from the date of issuance of the work order.

·         Each party has furnished bank guaranty of Rs. 3.00 millions “as security bond” for the installation of cement plant, if they failed to establish cement plant within five years, the leases shall be cancelled and security deposit shall also be forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant.

*2022. MR. IMRAN ZAFAR LAGHARI: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

Achievements made by the Government in Mineral Sector?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals:

The Department of Mines and Mineral Development was established in August 2001 in pursuance of National Mineral Policy 1995. Aim of this department is to develop mineral sector for gainful exploitation of vast mineral resources of the province. This adds to the economic activity and generates employment for people. The province of Sindh has large quantities of minerals. In all there are 24 minerals, which are being mined at present, and revenue is being collected. Among these minerals, granite reserves at District Tharparkar /Nagarparkar area are sizable. A study through Consultant Department of Geology university of Sindh Jamshoro is in progress to determine size of mineable reserves. However, earlier estimates show that reserves are to the tune of 26090 million tons at Annexure-I, placed on the table of the House.). However, for Coal, separate Department of Coal & Energy Development has been established.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Mining Concessions/Leases

There are 669 Mining lease/concessions of different minerals granted by this department at Annexure-II, placed on the table of the House.

Income Generated/ Collected from Minerals

Income generated from surface minerals in the year 2007-08 was Rs.350.162 million & the last year 2008-09 due to hectic efforts this department generated Rs.437.398, an increase of 25 %.

Development Activities:-

Infrastructure developments:-Roads completed up to Nagarparkar Granite area. Electricity and telephone network is available in most of areas.

During the financial year 2008-09 following development schemes were undertaken in the Mineral Sector.

Establishment of Model Quarries Marble & Granite (New schemes)

This department has prepared a scheme for development of model quarries of marble at district Thatta and granite in district Tharparkar in collaboration with Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) at the cost of Rs. 1000.00 million. Technical Committee of P&D Department has cleared the scheme, which is being placed before PDWP for approval.

Benefits of the Project/scheme:-

·         To develop mineral resources through modern technology

·         Establishment of processing units and training centers in remote areas of district Tharparkar and Thatta

·         To produce man power for mineral industry

·         To improve mining operations in the province resulting more efficient mining operations, minimizing the wastages.

·         Products of Granite/Marble will be introduced in international & local markets

·         To uplift the socio-economic conditions of the area.

·         To develop Mosaic & Handicraft industry based on wastage of marble & granite

·         Creation of employment opportunities in handicraft sector particularly targeting women folk of the area.

*2148. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the areas having the reserves of minerals no development work has been carried out there for last ten years;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

No. A lot of development work in the mineral areas has been carried out, as under which includes:-

(i)       Studies for development of coal resources;

(ii)      Exploration & assessment of coalfields;

(iii)     Development Activities in coal and other mineral areas;-

(A)      STUDIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COAL RESOURCES IN THE PROVINCE

Thar Coalfield:

·         Bankable Feasibility Study by M/s. RWE Power International of Germany during 2003-04

·         Detailed Coal Geological Investigations & Detailed Hydro-geological Investigation at Block-II By M/s. Shenhua Group China during the year 2003-4.

·         Study conducted through world bank for block -I during 2009 is under process.

Sonda-Jherruk Coalfield:

o   M/s. China National Machinery Import & Exploration Corporation of China conducted feasibility study for 405 MW integrated coal mining & power generation project & hydro-geological investigations are in progress.

(b) EXPLORATION & ASSESSMENT OF COAL FIELDS:

Thar Coalfield:

Four additional coal blocks developed at Thar coalfield i.e. Block-V & VI and Block-VII & VIII and having total coal reserves are 7.049 billion tons.

Sonda-Jherruk Coalfield (District Thatta)

·         One additional block at Sonda-Jherruk developed having coal reserves of 254.21 million tons over an area of 90 sq. km.

East-Indus Coalfield: (District T.M.Khan)

·         One additional coal block developed at East-Indus area in South of Hyderabad, Mulla Katiar in district Tando Muhammad Khan with proved reserves of 145 million tons over an area of 70 sq. km.

Badin Coalfield:

·         Exploration for Coal and Hydro geological studies near Khorwah (Village Mulla Hassan) in Badin.

·         Final Report is under evaluation process.

EXPLORATION ACTIVITY FOR COAL:-

o   Study of Six Blocks of Thar Coalfield is completed.

o   Study for development of additional blocks (Block-VII & VIII) at Thar Coalfield in final stages

DEVELOPMENT ACITIVITES FOR COAL & MINERAL ASSOCIATED AREAS

Infrastructure developments:-

o   Roads completed upto coalfield in Thar & Nagarparkar Granite area. Electricity, telecommunication network are also completed.

o   Thar Lodge at Islamkot-20 bedded accommodation to facilitate foreign & local investors at Islamkot at the cost of Rs 91.986 (final stages).

o   Up gradation of railway line for Thar Coalfield area on broader gauge and lying of 1,000MW transmission line from Jamshoro, are under process.

o        Designing, planning and construction of Airport at Islamkot (under Process).          

 Water resources development

o   Water supply line (Mithi to Islamkot which cover all coal blocks.Water reservoir of 6 lac gallon capacity available at coal mine site. 03 lac gallons/day can be available at site (Block-II).

o   Installation of 29 Reverse Osmosis Plants in Thar area completed and in operation.

o   Installation of 25 Reverse Osmosis Plants in District Badin area (under progress).

Coal/Mineral Schemes related to Training centers/Rescues centers/Ware houses

·         Establishment of Training Institutes in the field of mechanized mining/ coal based power generation in collaboration with renowned foreign institution at the cost of Rs. 600.00 Million (under progress).

·         Establishment of Safety Equipment Ware House at Lakhra at the cost of Rs. 23.434 Million (under progress).

·         Establishment of Mine Polytrade Training Center at Lakhra at the cost of Rs. 120.00 Million (Under progress).

·         Establishment of Central Rescue Station & Occupational Disease Detection Center at Lakhra at the cost of Rs. 126.396 Million (under progress).

Schemes related to all Mineral upliftment

·         Exploration and Evaluation of Dimension and Cut Stones Deposits in Thatta, Jamshoro and Dadu Districts Sindh at the cost of Rs 12.00 million (under progress).

·         Feasibility Study of Granite Deposits in District Tharparkar Sindh at the cost of  Rs 50.00 million (under progress).

·         E-Government Agency specific General Application: website on Geo Data Setup of Geo-Data Centre Phase-II at the cost of Rs 31.667(under progress).

·         Environmental Impact Assessment due to mining activities in Sindh at the cost of        Rs. 20.00 million

Benefits

The activity through the above schemes the socio economic conditions of the mineral areas would be developed more and number of job opportunities will be available for local people and other facilitates as well.

*2191. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that in the Central Development Working (CDWP) in its meeting held on 30^th April 2009 under the Deputy Chairman of planning commission approved schemes about production of Gas from Thar Coal;

(b)   Is it a fact that the Sindh Government representatives present in the said meeting did not protest against the said decision;

(c)    Is it a fact that the said schemes would be started as a pilot project by the Federal Ministry of Science & Technology under Dr. Samar Mubarak?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

(a)      Yes, the CDWP approved the schemes proposed by the Planning Commission in their meeting held on 30^th April, 2009 for underground coal gasification and purification at site.

(b)      The Schemes proposed by Planning Commission did come under discussion, and was approved by CDWP.

The Government of Sindh raised the objection on the basis that scheme should be presented before Thar Coal & Energy Board for approval.

The Prime Minister while chairing a special meeting on 11^th June, 2009 directed the Planning Commission to present their schemes to TCEB for approval; which was approved by TCEB on 22^nd August, 2009.

The proposed scheme is pilot schemes on a very small part of Thar Coal Field. The project by planning Commission would include underground Coal Gasification and its purification at the site; also, a 50 MW power plant is being planned from the extracted gas.

(c)      The said schemes are pilot schemes by the Planning Commission and not the Ministry of Science & Technology, and would be headed by Dr Samar Mubarakmand, Member (Science & Technology) of the Planning Commission.

*2194. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that on 30th April, 2009 in meeting of CDWP, where in Sindh representative was also present, it was decided that instead of digging and bringing out the Thar Coal for use,   it would be converted into Gas underground through modern technology;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, countries where this method has become successful?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

(a)      Thar Coal has huge resource 'potential of 175 billion tons spread over 9000 sq. km. There are various mining options available to exploit Thar Coal resource for meeting rising energy demand of the country. Amongst various option Underground Coal Gasification is one of the option. Planning Commission of Pakistan has proposed a pilot scale facility of 50 MW potential from extraction of Underground Gas. Thar Coal & Energy Board approved the schemes on Block-V, keeping in view other options being implemented simultaneously.

(b)      The Countries currently working on this technology are:

i.         Russia

ii.       United States of America

iii.      Canada

iv.      Peoples Republic of China

v.        Australia

vi.      Germany

vii.     South Africa

*2195. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Government is constructing Air Strip over 7 K.M in Thar Coal Area;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

(a)      Yes. An airport is being constructed over an area of 1000 acres and not on 7 Km area.

The schemes for construction of airport a village Shive-jo-Tar/Bhope-Jo-Tar at a total cost of Rs. 972.070 million has been approved by the Government of Sindh during year 2008-09.

(b)      The Government of Sindh is the sponsoring agency and whereas Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the executing agency. The operation & maintenance of Airport will be responsibility of CAA, who is the regulatory body for airports in Pakistan.

*2296. MS. HUSNA AFTAB: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

Number of minerals being extracted in Sindh up till now alongwith income accrued from it during last fiscal year and current fiscal year on district level?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

There are twenty four minerals extracted/discovered in Sindh up to now. Out of twenty four minerals, only fourteen concessions/leases were granted as per details under:-

1. LIST OF CONCESSIONS/LEASES ON DISTRICT LEVEL

2. INCOME STATEMENT LAST & CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ON DISTRICT LEVEL

*2298. MS. HUSNA AFTAB: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

Scheme-wise funds being provided for mineral development by Federal Government to the province alongwith amount provided during the last fiscal year in this regard?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

There was no fund provided against any scheme by the Federal Government during last fiscal year.

*2299. MS. HUSNA AFTAB: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that workers of coal mines at Lakhra are not put to work according to Labour laws and they have no working hours, mining security arrangements are nil and no medical facility is provided to them;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, steps being taken by Government for the betterment of workers to save them from accidents and medical facilities provided in case of accidents?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

It is submitted that the working hours at coal mines, Lakhra are seven hours per day in accordance with the Labour Laws.

As far as security arrangements are concerned, Mines & Mineral Development Department has already addressed this issue. Accordingly Mines & Mineral Development Department through Inspectorate of Mines is establishing Mine Polytrade Training Centre at Lakhra to provide safety oriented training facilities to mine workers and conduct short certificate courses of mid level supervisory staff in mining discipline to provide manpower to mining industry. It is an ADP Scheme approved on 31.01.2007 which is expected to be completed by June-2011.

Moreover Mines & Mineral Development Department through Inspectorate of Mines is also establishing Mine Rescue Station & Occupational Disease Detection Centre at Lakhra to provide rescue training facilities and rescue operation at the time of any mishap in the mine besides providing facility to detect occupational diseases which the mine workers contract. It is another ADP Scheme which was approved on 25.01.2007 which is expected to be completed by June-2011.

However, the medical facilities of the Mine Workers come under the Excise Duty on Minerals (Labour Welfare) Act- 1967 which is regulated by Labour Department.

*2353. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Thar Coal Mining Company set up by previous Government would be revised;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, fate of the Thar Coal and Energy Development Board Committee headed by the Chief Minister and the constructional right of Sindh Government over the Coal in Thar?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI (Chief Minister) Mines & Minerals Development:

(a)      Thar Coal Mining Company (TCMC) was established in 2006 under Companies’ ordinance 1984 as a company limited by Shares. The representation of Government of Sindh was 20% against 80% with other Federal members.

Government of Sindh raised its concern against the formation of TCMC as Coal is provincial subject. After active pursuance by Government of Sindh on the issue, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has now disbanded the Thar Coal & Mining Company with immediate effect in light of decision taken in the TCEB meetings held on 11^th June, 2009 (Chaired by the Prime Minister) and its 4^th Board meeting held on 22^nd August 2009. Accordingly, the Ministry concerned has issued notification No. DGM-7(29)/2009 dated    16^th September, 2009 copy at placed on the table of the House.

(b)      Not Applicable.

*2520. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Mines & Minerals Development be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Ex-Ministers/Secretary are still using the vehicles of Sindh Coal Authority and department is also providing the petrol to them;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the details thereof alongwith number of vehicles available in the department present and names of the persons using these vehicles and from when?

ANSWER NOT RECEIVED

Sent to Department                   Reminder

                            07-12-2009                                  14-01-2010

Karachi:-                                    HADI BUX BURIRO

the 29^th January, 2010.                   Secretary

                                          Provincial Assembly of Sindh.