Key Takeaways
- Pakistan pledges enhanced security measures for Saindak mine after shutdown warning.
- Interior Ministry directs provincial authorities to beef up deployment around the site.
- Balochistan province, home to several major Chinese-backed projects, faces increasing security risks.
Pakistan has pledged additional security measures for its largest operating Chinese-run copper and gold mine, Saindak, following a warning from the mine’s operator that deteriorating law and order conditions could force it to halt production within a month. The warning was issued by Saindak Metals Limited, a joint venture behind the Saindak mine in Balochistan province.
In response, Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry directed provincial authorities and security agencies to increase their presence around the site. 'We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation,' he stated in a statement to Reuters.
The Saindak mine is operated by the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China under a lease extended in 2022. It exports most of its output to China and plays a significant role in Pakistan’s mineral resources sector. The mine's managing director had previously warned that operations could become unsustainable within a month due to disrupted supply routes caused by security issues.
The unrest in Balochistan has also affected the outlook for Barrick Mining’s $9 billion Reko Diq gold and copper project, located about 50 km from Saindak. The Financial Times reported on July 6 that the managing director of Saindak had warned Pakistan's energy ministry about potential shutdowns due to security concerns.
The situation in Balochistan has been exacerbated by recent terrorist attacks. On July 9, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry informed that the province had witnessed three major terrorist attacks in four days, resulting in the deaths of 42 civilians and security personnel and the killing of 54 terrorists since July 5.
China’s foreign ministry has stated its commitment to supporting Pakistan. A spokesperson said, 'China and Pakistan are staunch friends and all-weather strategic partners,' adding that Beijing would work with Islamabad to protect Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions in the country.
While the situation remains tense, Pakistan is prioritizing security for international companies operating within the country. The government’s commitment to safeguarding these projects underscores its dedication to maintaining stability and fostering economic growth through foreign investment.
'We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation,'
Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior
'China and Pakistan are staunch friends and all-weather strategic partners,'
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry
