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Pakistan Strengthens Security for Key Chinese Mining Project
Pakistan has assured additional security for the Chinese-operated Saindak copper and gold project in Balochistan after the mine’s operator raised concerns over the security situation and possible disruption to operations . Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that the Ministry of Interior received the concerns of Saindak Metals Limited in early July and had directed provincial authorities and security agencies to strengthen protection for the company’s installations, personnel, logistics, and transport routes .
“We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation,” Chaudhry told Reuters . He added that safeguarding projects run by international companies in Pakistan remains a government priority, with logistics and cargo movement linked to the site receiving enhanced protection .
Operator Denies Shutdown Reports
The assurance follows a report by the Financial Times that the management of Saindak Metals Limited had warned the federal energy authorities that operations could become difficult to sustain if disruptions to supply routes continued . In a letter dated June 29, the company reportedly warned of a serious likelihood that the project’s operations might be forced to cease within a month due to the non-availability of essential production materials and logistical support .
However, Saindak Metals Limited’s Managing Director Raziq Sanjrani called the closure report “factually incorrect,” stating the mine has operated without interruption for 25 years and “there is no possibility of its shutdown” . He clarified that the company had asked authorities for help moving furnace oil to the site after some transporters balked at using certain routes through Balochistan, and security agencies had since assured the supply would continue uninterrupted .
Broader Context of Balochistan Security
The Saindak project, located in Balochistan’s Chagai district, is operated by China’s state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China under a lease extended in 2022, with a significant share of the mine’s output reportedly exported to China . Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, hosts several major Chinese-backed projects, including the deep-water port of Gwadar . The province has faced persistent security challenges from separatist groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which have ramped up attacks on military installations and transport routes .
Chinese Response and Regional Implications
China’s foreign ministry responded cautiously, stating it was not aware of the specific situation but reaffirming Beijing’s close relationship with Islamabad . “China and Pakistan are staunch friends and all-weather strategic partners,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, adding that Beijing would continue working with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions .
The situation is being closely watched because of its potential implications for other mining ventures in the province, including Barrick Mining’s USD 9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold project, located around 50 kilometres from Saindak . Recent violence in Balochistan has already raised concerns about the security environment for foreign investment in the region .
