International interest in Pakistan’s mining sector is expanding beyond the flagship Reko Diq project, with companies from the United States and the United Arab Emirates exploring new investment opportunities in Balochistan’s mineral-rich districts, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan said on Wednesday.
Speaking to senior journalists, Mr Khan said that the investment by Barrick Gold in the Reko Diq copper-gold project had opened the door for other foreign firms to enter Chagai district, where Chinese companies are already operating the Saindak project.
Foreign Companies Eye Antimony Reserves in Washuk
The chief secretary said that Washuk district and southern parts of Balochistan hold significant reserves of antimony, a silvery-grey metalloid commonly found in the mineral stibnite.
“American and other foreign companies are interested in investing in antimony, which is considered more valuable than gold and copper due to its strategic importance,” Mr Khan said, adding that talks between the government and foreign investors are currently underway.
Antimony is widely used in defense, electronics, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing, making it a critical mineral globally.
Reko Diq to Generate $1 Billion Annually for Balochistan
Highlighting the economic impact of the Reko Diq project, Mr Khan said Balochistan would receive a 25 percent share amounting to nearly $1 billion annually, without making any provincial investment.
“This amount is equivalent to the province’s annual budget,” he said, adding that commercial production at Reko Diq is expected to begin by 2032.
He said the project would also facilitate major infrastructure improvements, including the Taftan–Quetta railway line, and boost economic activity across the region.
Additionally, a Rs94 billion ($338 million) water supply pipeline is under construction to provide water to Reko Diq, Chagai, and surrounding areas.
Governance Reforms and Merit-Based Appointments
On administrative reforms, Mr Khan said the provincial government had ensured merit-based postings of commissioners and deputy commissioners in all 36 districts of Balochistan.
Similarly, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) have been posted purely on merit to strengthen law and order without political interference, he said.
Mr Khan also expressed support for merging the Levies Force into the police, stating that long-standing irregularities dating back to the British colonial era had been identified within the system.
“Improved governance is essential for sustainable peace in Balochistan,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts between bureaucrats and elected representatives.
Progress in Education and Health Sectors
The chief secretary reported significant improvements in the education sector, stating that 4,100 schools that were closed 28 months ago have now been restored, with 98.8 percent of schools currently functional across the province.
In healthcare, vaccination coverage has increased from 37 percent to 50 percent, while no polio cases have been reported this year, he said. Additionally, 164 previously closed Basic Health Units (BHUs) have been made operational.
Fiscal Discipline and Anti-Smuggling Measures
Mr Khan said the provincial government had introduced strict fiscal discipline, ensuring the timely release of development funds to prevent project delays. He added that discretionary powers of the Finance and Planning departments had been curtailed and the billing system fully digitised.
On fuel smuggling, he said daily smuggling had been reduced from 12 million litres to 800,000 litres, saving the national economy an estimated Rs700 billion.
Gas Reserves and Industrial Use
Regarding energy resources, Mr Khan said gas reserves in Dera Bugti were more suitable for industrial fertiliser production rather than domestic consumption. He added that the reserves could last 46 years, with several companies already showing interest in investment.
