Balochistan

Balochistan has grown into a mining hub due to a unique combination of geological potential, strategic investment, and government support — making it one of the most promising mining frontiers in South Asia.

World-Class Geology:

The Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, which stretches from Eastern Europe through the Middle East into South and Southeast Asia, is one of the most mineral-endowed geological formations in the world. In Balochistan, this belt hosts significant porphyry copper-gold systems, including the world-class Reko Diq deposit being currently developed by Barrick Mining. The region’s favorable tectonic history, marked by subduction-related magmatism and crustal extension, has created ideal conditions for the formation of large, high-grade porphyry and epithermal mineral systems. Extensive geochemical anomalies, alteration patterns, and past discoveries underscore the belt’s untapped potential, making Balochistan a globally strategic location for future copper and gold development.

Flagship Projects:

1) Barrick Mining Corporation / Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) – Reko Diq Mining Company (Copper‑Gold)

  • Operates the Tier One, Reko Diq copper-gold project in Chagai District, Balochistan.

  • Joint venture: Barrick Mining (50 %) and Pakistani state entities (50 % via federal/state governments) 

  • 2024 Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves (100%): 3Bt @ 0.46% for 15 Mt Copper & 2.9Bt @ 0.28g/t for 26Moz Gold. 94Moz Gold Equivalent (100%).

  • Reserve mine life of 37 years generating: $90B in operating cash flow, $70B in free cash flow, $54B of revenue within Pakistan
  • first production expected by 2028, scaling in two phases to 240k–460k t copper and 297k–520k oz gold annually

  • According to Reuters, the IFC has committed over $700M in financing, along with contributions from EXIM Bank (U.S.), ADB, JBIC, and other international banks.

2) Saindak Metals Limited / MCC – Saindak Mine (Copper‑Gold, Silver)

  • Located in Chagai District, Balochistan, the Saindak Copper-Gold Project is operated under lease by Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) with assets owned by the Government of Pakistan via Saindak Metals Ltd. 

  • Operating since 1995, producing copper, gold, and silver; recent upgrades completed in 2024. 

3) MCC Huaye Duddar Mining Company – Duddar Mine (Lead-Zinc)

  • Based in Lasbela District, Balochistan, this is Pakistan’s largest lead and zinc underground mine.

  • Joint venture between MCC (China) and Hunan Nonferrous Metals Holding; annual capacity of ~500,000 tonnes ore, reserves ~50 Mt

Government Backing and Legal Reforms:

Both the federal and Balochistan provincial governments have taken significant steps to support mining, including:

  • Establishing state-owned companies like Balochistan Mineral Resources Ltd. (BMRL).

  • Improving the regulatory framework to facilitate exploration and secure long-term mining rights.

  • Supporting public-private partnerships and opening up mining licensing rounds.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Improvements:

Investments under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) have led to connectivity making the region more viable for large-scale mining and exports.

  • Improved road and rail networks connecting Balochistan to ports like Gwadar and Karachi.

  • Upgraded power and water infrastructure in key mining districts such as Chagai and Lasbela.

Growing Global Demand for Critical Minerals:

With the global energy transition driving up demand for copper, gold, and zinc, Balochistan’s underexplored mineral base has attracted increasing interest from international investors, explorers, and strategic partners, especially those looking for new supply outside of traditional mining jurisdictions.