LAHORE, Sept 4: Coal production in the province has increased to a record 550,000 tons per annum.

Punjab Mines and Minerals Minister Muhammad Sibtain Khan said this after presiding over a departmental meeting held to review coal production.

He said the increase in coal production was made possible following the grant of 355 long-term leases and issuance of 130 experimental exploration licences.

Use of modern equipment also helped increase the coal production, he added.