A mining company in North West Queensland have made USD 157 million investment at one of the largest zinc deposits in the world.

MMG will fund preparatory work at the Dugald River zinc project, 85 kilometers north east of Mount Isa. The company's Sally Cox said that the investment will mean the mine is operational by 2014.

It said that will fund the next stage of the project's development which will include detailed engineering, metallurgical test work the continuation of some early site works that have already commenced including the underground exploration decline development.

When the mine is fully operating it will produce about 200,000 tonnes of zinc, 25,000 tonnes of lead and 900,000 ounces of silver and provide work for 500 people.

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)