ISLAMABAD (APP) - The government here on Monday granted three Petroleum Exploration Licenses of joint ventures to M/s Paige Limited and RDC International (Pvt) Limited, M/s Nativus Resources Limited and RDC International (Pvt) Limited, and M/s RDC International (Pvt) Limited and Paige Limited respectively for the following blocks:- Block No. 2972-2 (Cholistan) covering an area of 2478 Sq. Kms in Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar districts of Punjab Province. Block No. 3072-4 (Shakarganj West) covering an area of 2479 Sq Kms in Vihari, Pakpatan, Sahiwal and Bahawalnagar districts of Punjab Province. Block No. 3073-3 (Punjab) covering an area of 2410 Sq. Kms in Okara, Sahiwal and Pakpatan districts of Punjab Province. The joint ventures of Paige Limited, Nativus Resources Limited and RDC International will make an investment of US$ 1.3 million in the initial term of three years under these exploration licences for G&G studies, high resolution satellite data processing and interpretation, purchase and reprocessing of existing seismic data, acquisition of gravity and magnetic stations, micro-seep survey, 2D seismic data acquisition and drilling of exploratory drill holes. Paige, Nativus and RDC are presently involved in exploration activities in Lugai, Murgha Faqir Zai, Ladgesht, Multani, Huramzai and Changai blocks. The exploration licences and petroleum concession agreements were signed by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources G.A. Sabri on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Chief Executive Officer of M/s RDC Javed Ahmed and Director of M/s Paige and Nativus Khawar Mahmood. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain was also present on the occasion.