Pakistan: good news for coal industry

The Pakistan International Bulk Terminal, which is currently under construction at Port Qasim, is expected to commence operation by the end of the year. The terminal will have the capacity to handle 12Mta of coal imports and 4Mta of cement and clinker exports. The project cost is estimated at US$225m and is funded by a local company in partnership with the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.

Meanwhile, coal importers from the private sector have sought government permission to use Pakistan Steel Mills’ jetty, cargo conveyor belt and other equipment for the handling of imported coal. The importers explained that permissions would help bring down the cost of imported coal by US$4/t.

Finally, the Port Qasim Authority, under the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, is planning the construction of a dedicated coal terminal with the conversion of two existing berths.