QUETTA, Oct 18: The Chines firm, Meteorological Construction Corporation (MCC) would invest $73 million in zinc and lead exploration and mineral development project in Dodhar area of Lasbela district.

This was stated by the president of the corporation, Mr. Zou Jin Hoi during a meeting with the Provincial Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf on Saturday. He briefed the chief minister about the mineral exploration project.

The Chines Meteorological Construction Corporation and Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation have signed an agreement under which the project would be completed within three years time and the MCC has taken over the project on lease for 15 years.

The Balochistan government would be given 2 per cent royalty on the international value of the production while jobs would be provided to several hundred local people in the different sectors of the mineral exploration project. Further, around two to three thousands other people would get jobs directly.

The President of the MCC informed the Chief Minister that according to a survey around 4,70000 tons of Zinc and lead reserves were found in Dodhar area of district Lasbela. He said that MCC would also launch various socio-economic development projects and specially would construct dams in the area for fulfilling the water requirement of the area.

He also informed Jam Yousuf about the progress on Saindak copper-cum-gold Project and said that this mega project had already started production and the export of one thousand ton of cooper blister has been started to Germany on monthly basis while 4000 ton copper blister was reserved.

Mr Zou Jin Hoi said that the MCC would make all possible efforts for the success of all mineral development projects it initiated in different areas of Balochistan.

Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf said that provincial government was providing complete protection and facilities to the companies working on mineral development projects in Balochistan.

He said that it was part of his government policy to extend all help and cooperation to the foreign investment companies to promote this important sector.