Gold exploration project to transform Balochistan: PM

[LRE]

Gold exploration project to transform Balochistan: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that the mega project for the exploration of gold, copper and other allied minerals in Chaghi, launched jointly by Antofagasta of Chile, Barrick Gold of Canada and the government of Balochistan would bring about transformation in Balochistan.

The PM said this while talking to a delegation headed by Jean Paul Luksic, Chairman Antofagasta, a Chilean joint venture company, which called on him here.

The PM assured that the government would extend all necessary assistance for the timely completion of the project.

He asked the delegation to ensure that maximum jobs are given to the people of Balochistan and arrangements are made for imparting requisite skills training to them so that they can avail job opportunities.

He said Pakistan would consider the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with Chile. A government delegation will soon visit Chile to explore new avenues of cooperation and collaboration.

Mr Luksic informed the PM that the project involves an investment of $1-1.5 billion, which is likely to eventually reach $5 billion. On commissioning, he said, the annual copper export would be over $1 billion.

Secretary Petroleum and senior government officials also attended the meeting. app

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