ISLAMABAD, June 17: By exploiting natural resources at Thar, Reko Diq and Saindak, not only will the country be able to overcome its energy woes but also benefit from exporting coal, copper and gold.

This was said by renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand while speaking during a symposium on ‘Innovations and Advances in Mineral Resource Exploration, Identification, Extraction, Processing and Sustainable Mining’ at National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) on Monday.

He said the minerals and resources in its rich soil could take Pakistan to great height of economic prosperity provided its policymakers were sincere.

He also apprised the participants of the performance of the scientists involved in Thar Coal Project.

The head of School of Mining Engineering, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Prof Frederick Cawood, gave the symposium address in which he briefly highlighted mineral development in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Nust Rector Engr Mohammad Asghar said mining was a neglected sector in Pakistan.

Appreciating the efforts of all those who organised the symposium, Mr Asghar said it would definitely play a pivotal role in promoting mining as a discipline among students.—A Reporte