PESHAWAR, Dec 11: A joint venture of investors from the UK, the Pak Energy Resources, has expressed interest in the coal mines of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

A five-member delegation of the joint venture, led by Mr Peter Lambert, called on Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah here on Wednesday and informed him about their intention to invest in the coal washing project in the NWFP and Fata.

Mr Lambert said the joint venture was keen to seek the potential of the Orakzai Agency coal deposits for its better utilization.

They were interested to establish a unit to produce one million ton of coal per year for which a location would be identified after visiting various points. He said the coal being obtained from different mines in the NWFP and Fata would be made capable of utilization in cement industries and for energy purposes.

The governor assured the team that the government would assist the firm and facilitate the establishment of the proposed plant, besides providing security to the investors.

Other members of the delegation included Azam Inam, Geoff Bright, Ali Malik and Malik Shahid Ahmad Khan. Secretary to governor Sahibzada Saeed Ahmad and director Fata industries Salim Mohmand were also present on the occasion.