It is reported that China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group has recently signed nickel production contract with a mining company under Myanmar's ministry of mines.

The contract involves the development of a large scale nickel mining and smelting project in Myanmar, with more than USD 800 million investment.

It is expected to start the construction in late 2008, and to be put into operation in 2011, with annual nickel iron alloy output of 85,000 tonnes, and nickel metal output of 22,000 tonnes.

The project will provide 1,500 employment opportunities for local people.

Construction work will be undertaken by China number 15 Metallurgical Construction Co Limited.