The Reko Diq Copper-Gold project in Chaghai district would start production in two to four years, said Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Jadoon during his visit to the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) headquarters here on Sunday.
Acting Director General GSP Muhammad Hafeez Butt briefed the minister on the achievements of his department and its role in exploration of minerals, geological mapping of the country and fossil discoveries. He said an Australian company was working on the project, which would be the second such project after Saindak in the district.
The Reko Diq copper-gold deposit was discovered by the GSP in 1978. It is one of the very promising copper-gold world-class deposits with 800 million tonnes of copper and 9 million ounce of gold. It is expected to be in production within two to four years.
Butt informed the minister about the mineral potential of Balochistan. He said the GSP had discovered over 200 million tonnes of iron ore deposit at Dilband in Kalat in 1996. Lead and zinc deposits were discovered at Duddar, Gunga and Surmai in Lasbela-Khuzdar range in 1980, which had attracted Chinese investment. He said the GSP had discovered Saindak copper-gold deposits in 1973 and the mines were now in production. The deposit has more than 400 million tonnes of copper ore and 2.24 million ounces of gold.
Butt said the GSP had also discovered 185 billion tonnes of lignite coal deposits at Thar and evaluated 6 major coal-producing fields in Balochistan with over 200 million tonnes of reserves.
The minister appreciated the economic benefits of the mineral resources discovered by the department and urged the geologists to work hard for the country. He assured the GSP to help resolve its outstanding issues.
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