{
  "id": 18599984,
  "title": "Thar coal being developed beyond power generation: Sharjeel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/thar-coal-being-developed-beyond-power-generation-sharjeel",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-06T23:51:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40447815/thar-coal-being-developed-beyond-power-generation-sharjeel"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Karachi, 2026 - Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that Thar coal is being developed beyond its traditional use in electricity generation. The annual production capacity of Thar Coal Block-II has been expanded from 7.6 million tonnes to 11.2 million tonnes, marking an annual increase of 3.6 million tonnes. This enhancement ensures that coal will not only serve power plants but also cater to other industrial sectors. Sharjeel Inam Memon disclosed that a project to optimize coal for industrial purposes has been initiated, with 68% of the work on connecting Thar to the national railway network already completed. He emphasized that any costs associated with selling coal to industrial buyers will not be burdened onto electricity consumers via tariffs. The minister highlighted potential investment opportunities in the production of methanol, various chemicals, and coal gasification using local coal. Efforts are also being made to explore the use of coal as an industrial raw material instead of merely a fuel, which could stimulate new industrial activities and investment. The Sindh Senior Minister affirmed that leveraging Thar's natural resources for industrial development through modern technology and infrastructure will enhance energy security and foster economic self-reliance.",
  "summary": "KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that Thar coal is being developed beyond electricity generation and is being made a source of industrial development. The annual production capacity of Thar Coal Block-II has been increased from 7.6 million tonnes to 11.2 million tonnes, resulting in an annual increase…",
  "key_points": [
    "Thar coal production capacity increased from 7.6 to 11.2 million tonnes annually.",
    "Project to optimize coal for industrial use completed 68% of railway connection.",
    "Potential for methanol, chemical production, and coal gasification using Thar coal."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}