LAHORE, Nov 29: The Punjab government is implementing a scheme to restart production from coal mines lying closed for long. According to an official report, production from a number of mines was suspended owing to water seepage or other technical problems.

The government has launched a special programme to revive/reactivate all such mines besides finding new reserves, specially in the central Salt Range, to meet energy needs through a cheap source.

The private sector is also being attracted to invest in finding new coal reserves, the report adds.

The government has earned over Rs10 million as royalty from coal mines at a rate of Rs35 per ton between January and June 2005. Most of these mines are located in Dandot, Choa Saiden Shah, Arra and Dhalwal in Chakwal district; Jogi Tilla and Ghareebwal in Jhelum district; Kathua, Dahiwal and Padhrar in Khushab district; and Gilla Khel and Makkarwal in Mianwali district.