Govt steps on Phulbari open-pit mine after finalisation of coal policy

Special assistant to the chief adviser, M Tamim, on Thursday said that the government would take ‘steps’ on Asia Energy’s proposal for an open pit coal mine project at Phulbari after finalisation of the coal policy. He said this in a meeting with Asia Energy chief executive officer, Gary Lye and executive director of Asia Energy Bangladesh Private Limited, Nazrul Islam. Gary Lye told New Age that they had a fruitful discussion with Tamim. ‘We look forward to seeing the coal policy finalised and we will continue to work with government of Bangladesh to help progress Bangladesh’s coal sector development and the Phulbari coal project.' When asked about the report of a technical committee that found Asia Energy’s agreement with the government illegal and Phulbari coal field not viable for open pit mining, Tamim said, ‘The government will look into the report, once the Asia Energy issue comes up after finalisation of the coal policy.’Tamim said that at present the government was not considering any company’s project. ‘The decision on any coal mine project will be based on the coal policy,’ he said. Sources in the government, however, told New Age that the interim government was unlikely to take any decision on Asia Energy’s proposal even if the coal policy was approved.

New Age
23/05/08
http://www.newagebd.com/