Pakistan Strengthens Security for Chinese-Operated Saindak Mine
The Government of Pakistan has pledged enhanced security for the Chinese-operated Saindak Copper and Gold Mine after the company managing the project warned that worsening security conditions in Balochistan could force it to suspend operations within the coming month.
According to government officials, the concerns were raised by Saindak Metals Limited, the joint venture responsible for operating the mine in Balochistan. The warning underscores increasing security challenges facing Chinese investments in Pakistan’s mineral-rich province, where terrorist attacks have intensified in recent months.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the federal government had instructed provincial authorities and security agencies to strengthen protection for the mine’s facilities, personnel, transportation routes and logistics.
He stated that the Interior Ministry received the company’s security concerns in early July and immediately initiated measures to improve security arrangements.
“The protection of international investment projects remains a national priority,” the minister said, adding that cargo shipments and supply convoys serving the Saindak project would receive additional security escorts.
Located near Pakistan’s borders with Iran and Afghanistan, Balochistan hosts several major Chinese-backed infrastructure and mining projects, including Gwadar Port and the Saindak Mine.
Earlier, international media reported that Saindak’s management had warned the Ministry of Energy that continuing security deterioration was disrupting supply routes and could make mining operations unsustainable within weeks.
The Saindak Mine is operated by the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China under a lease renewed in 2022. Most of the mine’s copper and gold production is exported to China.
Responding to reports, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was not fully aware of the latest developments but reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan. The ministry said China would continue working closely with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, institutions and investment projects.
The security situation has also raised concerns about the future of Barrick Mining’s $9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold project, located approximately 50 kilometres from the Saindak Mine.
Meanwhile, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, recently stated that Balochistan witnessed three major terrorist attacks within four days. Subsequent security operations in Ziarat, Kharan and Dalbandin resulted in the martyrdom of 42 civilians and security personnel, while security forces eliminated 54 terrorists during operations conducted since July 5.
