The Balochistan government, in collaboration with the Balochistan Public Private Partnership Authority (BPPPA), is preparing to initiate a Solar Salt project in District Gwadar.
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, Reconnaissance Licenses for Solar Salt have been issued to the government-owned Balochistan Mineral Resources Limited (BMRL). Ongoing discussions are being held with international investors regarding the areas allocated to BMRL and the Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company (BMEC).
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In the wake of the Reko Diq settlement, the government has shifted its focus to large-scale mining, issuing numerous Exploration Licenses (ELs) for copper, gold, and associated minerals. BMRL was granted five ELs, while the Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company (BMEC) was granted four. Additionally, for the first time, an Exploration License for lithium has been awarded to M/S Shaanxi Atlas International Mining Private Limited in Chagai, where initial surveys and drilling have commenced.
Private sector involvement in mining initiatives is also being encouraged by the government. To expedite exploration in Chagai, several Exploration Licenses for copper, gold, and associated minerals have been awarded to private companies. Degan Exploration obtained three ELs, MPCL was granted three ELs, and National Resources Limited (NRL) secured one EL. These companies have initiated preliminary studies and surveys.
The Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) is currently updating its feasibility study, expected to be finalized by 2024, with a second advance royalty payment of $2.5 million received in December 2023.
Chromite mining activities in Muslim Bagh (District Killa Saifullah) and Khanozai (District Pishin) are also expanding. The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) was awarded two large-scale Exploration Licenses for chromite in District Killa Saifullah and Zhob.
