CHAGAI: Production of raw materials has been resumed at the Saindak copper-cum-gold project as its smelter has been ignited by Chinese and Pakistani officials of the MCC Resource Development Limited (MRDL) after the suspension of almost eight months in Chagai district’s Saindak area.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, the resumption of the production, which was scheduled to be resumed in March, was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking at the 18th ignition ceremony of the smelter furnace, MRDL Chairman He Xuping said the production resumption had a crucial significance for the survival of Saindak project. For six months all Pakistani and Chinese employees had been working painstakingly to guarantee the uninterrupted production of the project in spite of tremendous challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

The MRDL chairman hoped that all the employees would cherish the hard-won strategic opportunity and that they would march forward together and realise the safe and efficient production amidst concerted efforts to defeat coronavirus.

He said: “It is firmly believed that with the great support and concern of friends from all walks of life, together with the united efforts by the whole staff, this year MRDL will definitely win the dual success in epidemic prevention and the fulfillment of production targets.”

Encouraged by inspiring remarks by Chairman He Xuping all the Pakistani and Chinese employees present on the occasion cheered with a sound applause and chanted the slogan of ‘Pak-China dosti zindabad’ (Long live Pakistan-China friendship).

The ceremony was attended by MRDL President Zhang Zhijun, Vice President Mohammad Ishaque Shahwani and other Chinese and Pakistani officials.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2020