ORACLE enters final phase of Thar coal mining project

The Oracle Coalfields PLC, holding an exploration license for Block VI, Thar coal field, has completed the work programme and verified suitability of Thar coal resources for the production of electricity, said a spokesman of Thar Coal and Energy Board here on Thursday. The coal resource in Block VI, he said has been verified under internationally recognised measurement Ore Reserve Committee (Joint) standard.

The block hosts a JORC resource of 1.4. billion tonnes under the Measured Resource category.

According to the spokesman pre-feasibility report was completed and the company is now proceeding with the completion of the definitive feasibility report which is targeted to be completed by year-end. Further fieldwork is underway. This, he said was with particular reference to hydrogeology and sub-crop drilling leading to the completion of Mine Design for an open-pit mining operation.

The company has appointed internationally reputed consultants to oversee the work programme and completion of feasibility report to bankable status. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is also underway by Wardell Armstrong International of UK.

Oracle Coalfields had also enered an MOU with Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) earlier in the year to supply sufficient coal to meet the requirements of KESC to initially set up a 300 MW power plant in Thar, taking it up to 1,100 MW.

Source: Pakistan Observer Website, July 26, 2010