A delegation of Chinese company Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) working on exploration and certification of mineral resources project at Chiniot-Rajwa met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here on Tuesday during which matters regarding progress on the project were discussed.
The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction over the pace of progress on the project and said that exploration of mineral resources at Chiniot-Rajwa is of vital importance and this project is of revolutionary significance for the economy of the country especially Punjab.
He said that Pakistan is rich in mineral wealth which can be utilised for strengthening of national economy and achieving the goal of progress and prosperity. He said that exploration of mineral resources can ensure a bright future for the coming generations and these resources are of no less importance for Pakistan than oil and gas. He said that Punjab government has worked on this project expeditiously.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is making all out efforts for utilising natural resources. He said that there are vast resources of iron ore at Chiniot-Rajwa and the progress on this project so far is highly satisfactory.
He said that samples of iron ore reserves at Chiniot-Rajwa had been sent to international laboratories which certified presence of up to 65 percent high quality iron ore in the samples which is a good news for the whole nation. Shahbaz Sharif said that the former rulers of the province during the dictatorial era totally neglected this project of national importance only for the sake of their vested interests and no effort was made to benefit from this natural wealth.
However, he said, PML-N government in view of the importance of the project acquired the services of international consultants in a highly transparent manner and an agreement was signed with the Chinese company. He said that a solid strategy has been adopted by the present government for the utilisation of the mineral wealth.
He said that there is also a possibility of discovery of copper and other precious minerals along with iron ore and initial results are very encouraging. He said that the project of exploration of mineral resources at Chiniot-Rajwa is of key importance for Pakistan especially Punjab and this natural wealth will prove to be a guarantee of national progress and prosperity.
The Chief Minister was also shown the samples of iron ore and copper on this occasion. German expert Dr Jurgen Hartsh gave a briefing regarding progress on the project and declared the samples of iron ore and copper as highly satisfactory which is very important.
Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Khan, Secretary Minerals, Secretary Information, Project Manager Punjab Mineral Development Company as well as Chief Economist MCC Zhang Mengxing, Chairman MCC Mining Limited Zou Jianhui and other officials were also present on the occasion.