Chinese firm offers expertise for uplifting mineral sector in province

MCCT president Wang Jicheng meets CM Jam Kamal


APP September 20, 2018
PHOTO: FILE

QUETTA: The China Metallurgical Group Corporation Tongsin Resources Limited (MCCT) has expressed keen interest in uplifting the province’s mineral sector.

This came during a meeting between Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan and MCCT President Wang Jicheng at the CM House in Quetta on Wednesday. Wang expressed interest in providing

assistance to the provincial government in exploring the minerals. He offered full support for preparation of comprehensive databases, containing information for the survey and exploration of mineral deposits in the province. The Chinese executive said that the MCCT would also advise the Chinese government to include the construction of Mineral Park into the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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He told the CM that the MCCT and another Chinese company working on Saindak Project had been merged and wanted to extend the project further for which the provincial government's consent and support was required. Wang said that the MCCT was investing heavily in the mining sector in other countries also and possessed assets worth $50 billion.

He said that extension of Saindak project would play an important role in providing employment opportunities to the local people and uplift economy. The CM hailed the company's proposal and said, "Despite unrivaled mineral resources, unfortunately no steps had ever been taken for advancement in the mining sector.”

He added that China and Pakistan enjoyed strong bilateral ties and “CPEC is a pure manifestation of Pak China friendship”. Kamal urged relevant authorities to adopt technical ways for exploration of the mineral resources. He said that by procuring data, “we will be able to assess the capacity of Balochistan's mineral sector and its availability in specific areas”. The CM said that Chinese investment in this regard would be appreciated.

He said the federal government would also be approached for establishment of mineral zones in the province under CPEC. The meeting also discussed issues related to the security of the Chinese company personnel and investors.

The CM said that a comprehensive plan was being implemented to provide effective security to the foreign investors and companies. He added that Pakistan Army, FC, Levies and other security agencies were executing the security plan.

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