ISLAMABAD, July 16 (APP): The federal government has stepped up security for the Chinese-operated Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan following recent terror attacks that disrupted supply routes, while the mine’s operator rejected reports suggesting the project was facing a possible shutdown.
Saindak Metals Limited Managing Director Raziq Sanjrani termed reports of the mine’s closure “factually incorrect,” saying the project has operated without interruption for the past 25 years.
“There is no possibility of its shutdown,” he said in a statement, dismissing claims that security concerns could force the mine to suspend operations.
Sanjrani said the company had sought government assistance to ensure the transportation of furnace oil to the mining site after some transporters expressed reluctance to use certain routes in Balochistan due to security concerns.
He said security agencies had assured the company of full support to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel and the continued operation of the project.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government had responded promptly after receiving security-related concerns from the mine’s management earlier this month.
He said authorities had directed provincial administrations and security agencies to strengthen protection for the mine’s installations, personnel, logistics and transportation network.
“It is our priority to safeguard all projects operated by international companies in Pakistan,” Talal Chaudhry said, adding that cargo movement and logistics linked to the project would receive enhanced security.
Located in Balochistan, the Saindak copper and gold mine is one of Pakistan’s major mineral projects and is operated by China’s state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) under a lease extended in 2022. Most of the mine’s output is exported to China.
The security measures come after a report claimed the project could become operationally unsustainable due to disruptions in supply routes caused by militant attacks in the province.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, hosts several strategic Chinese-backed infrastructure and mining projects, including the Gwadar deep-sea port, making security a key priority for both Islamabad and Beijing.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of the reported security concerns but reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, institutions and development projects in the country.
Pakistan has repeatedly assured Chinese investors that comprehensive security arrangements remain in place to protect foreign personnel and strategic projects under bilateral economic cooperation.