ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: The government has set a target of generating 20,000-mw electricity from coal by 2019, from present production of 35-mw, and to enhance the share of coal in overall energy mix from 6 per cent to 19 per cent.

“In order to achieve this objective the government has provided attractive incentives from integrated coal mining and power generation projects on Thar coal besides developing the entire required infrastructure in Thar”, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon will be leaving for UK on Sunday at the head of a 4-member delegation to participate in the 8-day International Conference on Mines and Money being held in London from November 21 to 23.

Senior Joint Secretary Jehangir Khan, Director General (Minerals) Rashid Malik and Managing Director Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) Brig M. Khalid Sajjad Khokhar are accompanying the minister.

The minister will host a breakfast seminar securing international investment in the mineral sector. This participation is being made in pursuance to the directive of the prime minister to attract international investment in the mineral sector. Over 100 participants from the mining industry representing multinational mining companies and financial institutions supporting mineral projects will attend. On the same day, the minister’s forum will be held where ministers from nine countries will promote their mineral sectors.

Mr Jadoon will also address a gathering over 1,000 delegates and present a paper on “Mineral Potential and Investment Opportunities in Pakistan” highlighting the achievement made during the last five years as a result of lucrative incentive being offered by the government to the prospective investors. Pakistan ranks amongst the largest coal, copper, lead and zinc deposits of the world.