PESHAWAR, April 10: The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) has signed three MoUs with the Fata Development Authority for the exploration and development of copper and coal deposits in the tribal areas. Preliminary work on the projects is expected to start in May.

The corporation would work for the exploration, evaluation and development of copper deposits in North Waziristan and coal deposits in the Shirani area of the Frontier Region of D.I. Khan.

It would also conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a coal-briquetting plant in the Fata, said Mohammad Yaqoob Shah of the Fata Development Authority here at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the PMDC’s branch office.

A press release said the managing director of the corporation laid the foundation stone of the office in Hayatabad Township. The building will help in boosting its activities in the NWFP.