SRINAGAR, June 21: The authorities on Thursday launched extraction work at a newly explored coal mine in Kalakote area of Rajouri district in Winter capital Jammu.

Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia, launched the work process Bodhog coal mine.

The new mine is expected to produce more than 50,000 tonnes of good quality coal and will help J&K Minerals Ltd. to generate a revenue of 6 crore rupees annually.

Slathia asked the corporation authorities to prefer the local youth of the area over others while recruting staff for the extraction at the mine.

“Full-fledged work on the mine would be started after installation of haulage, ventilation system and other infrastructure,” he said.

The minsiter also addressed a rally of coal miners in the Kalakote town and assured them that all demands relating to revision in wages and other genuine issues will be settled soon.