MoU for exploration of mineral deposits signed

Karachi: A private company named Zaver Mining Company (Private) Ltd would explore'Metallic Mineral' deposits in Nagarparkar district of Sindh with an initial investment of around 200 million dollars.

For the purpose, Directorate General of Mineral Development, Sindh Mines and Mineral Development department signed Monday Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zaver Mining Company (ZAVER) to develop the deposits and produce gold and other minerals. The MoU was signed by Muhammad Khalid Mirza, Director General, Mineral Development Sindh on behalf of government and Naseer Khan, Vice President from ZAVER.

Initially, Mines and Mineral Development department will allocate an area of 1000 square kilometer to ZAVER to carry out reconnaissance operations for one year. ZAVER Mineral plans to start with satellite images and using the latest geological, geophysics and geochemical technology. The reconnaissance operations will lead to exploration and development of metallic minerals.

It may be noted that the Geological Map of Sindh reveals that east of Thar Desert has exposures of Geologically very old rocks, which have been found containing very large deposits of metallic minerals.

The minerals include iron, gold, silver and base metals, ie, copper, tin and zinc. Rajasthan district of India is already producing gold and base metals from the rocks, which extend upto Nagarparkar district.

Since in Nagarparkar district the infrastructure facility was not available, therefore, no serious attempts could be made to explore the metallic potential of the area some time back, said Irfanullah Khan Marwat while presiding over MoU signing ceremony.

'Present government has improved such infrastructure in Thar areas where exploration of minerals of any magnitude can be launched.' Considering these facts and ideal law and order situation in the said areas ZAVER minerals which is part of renowned and financially sound Hashwani Group has come forward to explore the metallic minerals potential of Nagarparkar district The minister hoped that this bold step of the firm to explore this area of Sindh would be successful and open a new chapter in the history of minerals development in the province.