Pakistan to step up security for Saindak project: Talal Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: 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 has said on Wesnesday.

Speaking to Reuters, Chaudhry said the Ministry of Interior had received the concerns of Saindak Metals Limited in early July and had directed provincial authorities and relevant 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,” he said.

He added that safeguarding projects being run by international companies in Pakistan remained a government priority. “It is our priority to safeguard all projects run by international companies in Pakistan,” Chaudhry said, adding that logistics and cargo movement linked to the site would also receive enhanced protection.

The assurance follows report by Financial Times on Wednesday 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.

Meanwhile China’s foreign ministry, responding to a question on the matter, said it was not aware of the specific situation but reaffirmed 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 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. A significant share of the mine’s output is reportedly exported to China.

Balochistan is home to several major mineral and infrastructure projects, including Chinese-backed ventures and the deep-water port of Gwadar. The province has also faced persistent security challenges, which have affected business confidence and raised concerns for investors.

The situation is also being closely watched because of its potential implications for other mining ventures in the province, including Barrick Mining’s USD9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold project, located around 50 kilometres from Saindak.