SANA'A, Feb. 23 (Saba)- Prime Minister Ali Mujawar laid Monday foundation stone for the first mine project in Yemen for finding out zinc in Sulb Mountain in Nehm area here with investment cost estimated at $ 200 million.

Mujawar inspected the previous location of the mine and the general diagram of the new project and was briefed on the new mine and the component of the project which will use the latest developments for finding out the zinc.

The Yemeni Authority for Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Board Ismael al-Janad and the director of the company which will carry out the project clarified that the production output could reach to 80,000 tons annually. The project they said will provide 400 direct jobs to Yemenis and 1500 indirect jobs.

They indicated that the project would includes constructing 400 housing units to its workers and that the first shipment of the Yemeni zinc would exported in mid of 2010.

In the ceremony made for launching the project, Mujawar affirmed laying foundation stone for this great investment project, almost the first of its kind in Yemen, is in line with the president's electoral program.

He indicated that the government gives great concern to this project that would help developing the area in the framework of developing mineral industries in the wealth triangle ( Jawf, Mareb, Shabwa).

He indicated that any security violations would lead to halting such specific investments and the people losing of great profits, in addition to negative effect on the future of investment in minerals field.

He affirmed that Yemen's minerals wealth was and still the choice for developing the national economy and varying income resources in the country.

Al-Janad reviewed efforts exerted during 27 years and different studies taken for laying foundation stone for this project. He hoped the next step will witness setting up and launching a number of projects.

For his part, the Director of the Project said developing this project would make Yemen in the world map of mines. He noted that Jabal Sulb Company Limited which started studying the project since 1999 is keen on providing developed techniques fitting the nature of the area.

MA