PASDEC, Balochistan govt ink mining development deal
Under the deal, PASDEC would assist Balochistan government in developing marble cities
(Web Desk) – The Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Balochistan for overall development of marble and granite mining and processing sector of the province.
On behalf of the PASDEC, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zahid Maqsood Sheikh signed the MoU while Secretary Industries and Commerce Mr Aziz Ahmed Tarar signed the MoU on behalf of the government of Balochistan.
The MoU entails collaboration for the development of marble and granite sector of Balochistan through improvement in existing industry practices in the province.
Under the agreement, PASDEC shall assist the government of Balochistan in developing marble cities, training and development programs and machinery pool in Khuzdar to facilitate upgradation of mining techniques, provision of state-of-the-art mining equipment and skill development to arrest the deficit in the sector.
Processing Unit at Marble City Gaddani has also been included for reactivation in the said MoU.
Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Chief Minister Balochistan who was also present at the signing ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the province is blessed with rich resources of dimensional stone, however, improper processing facilities and orthodox quarrying practices result in to 60 to 70 % wastage of the natural resources.
He said that setting up state of the art processing facilities and providing latest equipment for mining to the private sector, in collaboration with PASDEC, would great benefit the province.
Mr. Sheikh, CEO PASDEC said that signing of the memorandum would enable the two governmental bodies to deepen their cooperation and deliver projects for overall development of the sector.
He said the process of development would also go as far as Chaghi not only to provide employment opportunities to the natives but also set new standards of extraction and quarrying in the entre province. Additional Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Islamabad also graced the occasion.
