July 14, 2008	Monday	Rajab 10, 1429

LAHORE, July 13: A tripartite mineral development board has been formed to provide maximum facilities to mine workers and suggest measures for developing and expanding the mineral sector in the province under the National Mineral Policy, 2002.

Senior Mines & Minerals Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad stated this while talking to a delegation of mine workers at his residence, according to a handout issued here on Sunday. Representatives of Mines and Minerals Department were also present.

The minister told the delegation that significant improvements in mines rescue and safety services had been made.

He said the machinery and equipment for mines rescue and safety station at Khushab and sub-stations at Choa Saiden Shah and Makarwal had been replaced with an estimated cost of Rs41.9 million.

The government, he said, was giving top priority to occupational safety and health of workers and regular organized inspections of mines were conducted.

Mr Riaz further said that the pre-service and in-service training of workers at their worksites was also conducted to realize them about safety measures and improve work efficiency.