Pakistan Minerals and Mining Updates

Its a warning to Barrick Gold, if you have cold feet then we will bring Chinese who are more then ready to take over. 2028 deadline for mining is non negotiable.


Yes I'm sure they have been brow beaten and intimidated into gifting all their gold mines throughout the world to Field Marshal Asim Munir Protector of the Realm King of the Andals and First Men 🤣🤣🤣
 
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Barrick Gold has had a long and lucrative relationship with Chinese companies like shandong gold so they wouldn't mind but remember the US Ex I'm bank has also provided funds and the Americans would have to be taken on board also I fear if Chinese takeover this might just become another Saindak
 
Barrick Gold has had a long and lucrative relationship with Chinese companies like shandong gold so they wouldn't mind but remember the US Ex I'm bank has also provided funds and the Americans would have to be taken on board also I fear if Chinese takeover this might just become another Saindak

Profit sharing formula will not change.

at today prices



Financial CategoryCalculation DetailsAmount (USD)Recipient / Destination
GROSS REVENUETotal Annual Exports$7.88 BillionTotal Inflow (100%)
— Copper Revenue400,000 Tonnes @ $6.50/lb$5.73 BillionCommodity Sales
— Gold Revenue500,000 Ounces @ $4,300/oz$2.15 BillionCommodity Sales
EXPENSES & TAXESDeductions from Revenue($5.12 Billion)
1. Royalties5% of Gross Revenue($394 Million)Govt of Balochistan
2. Extraction CostsMining, Processing & AISC($3.54 Billion)Operations (65% Import / 35% Local)
3. Corporate Tax30% of Pre-Tax Profit($1.18 Billion)Federal Govt of Pakistan
NET PROFITDistributable Cash Pool$2.76 BillionDividends to Owners (100%)
PROFIT SHARINGOwnership SplitAmount (USD)Shareholder
Barrick Gold Share50% of Net Profit$1.38 BillionBarrick Gold Corp (Operator)
Govt of Pakistan Share25% of Net Profit$690 MillionFederal SOEs (OGDCL, PPL, GHPL)
Govt of Balochistan Share25% of Net Profit$690 MillionBalochistan govt
SUMMARY TOTALSFinal Stakeholder TakeAmount (USD)% of Gross Revenue
Total Pakistan TakeRoyalties + Taxes + Dividends$2.95 Billion~37.4% of Gross Exports
Barrick Gold TakePure Net Profit$1.38 Billion~17.5% of Gross Exports

CategoryHow it is Spent / RetainedAmount (USD)Beneficiary
Government RevenuesRoyalties paid right off the top (5% of revenue).$394 MillionGovernment of Balochistan
Local OperationsLocal procurement, logistics, trucking, camp services, and wages for local workers (35% of total OpEx).$1.24 BillionPakistani laborers, contractors, and suppliers
Federal TaxesCorporate income tax on mine profits (30% tax rate).$1.18 BillionFederal Government of Pakistan
Provincial Dividends25% share of the net post-tax profit.$690 MillionGovernment of Balochistan
Federal Dividends25% share of the net post-tax profit.$690 MillionPakistani State-Owned Enterprises (OGDCL, PPL, GHPL)
TOTAL RETAINEDMoney staying in the Pakistani economy$4.19 Billion~53.2% of total revenue
 

Khuzdar BLZ Project Enters Execution Phase: A Game-Changer for Pakistan’s Mining Sector​

Balochistan, Pakistan — In a major development for Pakistan's resource sector, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has officially transitioned its Khuzdar Barite, Lead, and Zinc (BLZ) Project into the execution phase. This milestone follows the recent signing of a Project Management Consultancy contract with the renowned German engineering and consulting firm, DMT.

The BLZ Project, widely considered one of Pakistan's most significant large-scale open-pit mining ventures, is poised to reshape the economic landscape of Balochistan while substantially boosting the nation's mineral exports.

The German Partnership​

The appointment of M/s. DMT marks a commitment to international standards and technical excellence. The German firm is no stranger to the Khuzdar site; they successfully completed the bankable international standard feasibility study for the project in 2019. Now, by stepping into the role of Project Management Consultant, DMT will oversee the complex execution and development phase, ensuring efficient project delivery and adherence to global best practices in open-pit mining and ore beneficiation.

Economic Impact and Projections​

The financial outlook for the Khuzdar BLZ Project is highly robust. Operating as a 50:50 joint venture between PPL and the Government of Balochistan (GoB) through Bolan Mining Enterprises (BME), the mine has an estimated lifespan of 32 years.

Financial projections indicate the project will generate an impressive average annual revenue of $144 million, resulting in an estimated Net Present Value (NPV) of $356 million. With positive cash flows expected to begin by year three, the project is structured to become a rapid catalyst for economic growth.

Empowering the Local Community​

Beyond the national export benefits, the operating agreement explicitly prioritizes regional development. BME, as the operator, is mandated to give employment preference to local residents of the Khuzdar district, promising a wave of job creation and skill development in the area.

Furthermore, PPL has committed to financing the Balochistan government’s capital contribution for the project directly from its own cash flows through a financing arrangement. This ensures that the provincial government remains an equal partner without facing immediate financial hurdles to get the project off the ground.

Looking Ahead​

As infrastructure development takes shape, the transition from exploration to commercial extraction is now a reality. By unlocking the vast mineral wealth of Khuzdar, the BLZ Project represents a crucial step in positioning Pakistan as a more prominent player in the global mineral value chain, while securing sustainable, long-term development for Balochistan.
 

Khuzdar BLZ Project Enters Execution Phase: A Game-Changer for Pakistan’s Mining Sector​

Balochistan, Pakistan — In a major development for Pakistan's resource sector, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has officially transitioned its Khuzdar Barite, Lead, and Zinc (BLZ) Project into the execution phase. This milestone follows the recent signing of a Project Management Consultancy contract with the renowned German engineering and consulting firm, DMT.

The BLZ Project, widely considered one of Pakistan's most significant large-scale open-pit mining ventures, is poised to reshape the economic landscape of Balochistan while substantially boosting the nation's mineral exports.

The German Partnership​

The appointment of M/s. DMT marks a commitment to international standards and technical excellence. The German firm is no stranger to the Khuzdar site; they successfully completed the bankable international standard feasibility study for the project in 2019. Now, by stepping into the role of Project Management Consultant, DMT will oversee the complex execution and development phase, ensuring efficient project delivery and adherence to global best practices in open-pit mining and ore beneficiation.

Economic Impact and Projections​

The financial outlook for the Khuzdar BLZ Project is highly robust. Operating as a 50:50 joint venture between PPL and the Government of Balochistan (GoB) through Bolan Mining Enterprises (BME), the mine has an estimated lifespan of 32 years.

Financial projections indicate the project will generate an impressive average annual revenue of $144 million, resulting in an estimated Net Present Value (NPV) of $356 million. With positive cash flows expected to begin by year three, the project is structured to become a rapid catalyst for economic growth.

Empowering the Local Community​

Beyond the national export benefits, the operating agreement explicitly prioritizes regional development. BME, as the operator, is mandated to give employment preference to local residents of the Khuzdar district, promising a wave of job creation and skill development in the area.

Furthermore, PPL has committed to financing the Balochistan government’s capital contribution for the project directly from its own cash flows through a financing arrangement. This ensures that the provincial government remains an equal partner without facing immediate financial hurdles to get the project off the ground.

Looking Ahead​

As infrastructure development takes shape, the transition from exploration to commercial extraction is now a reality. By unlocking the vast mineral wealth of Khuzdar, the BLZ Project represents a crucial step in positioning Pakistan as a more prominent player in the global mineral value chain, while securing sustainable, long-term development for Balochistan.

Great news for people of Khuzdar and Balochistan. This is highly lucrative deal for Balochistan govt who will not invest penny in it. Its also great for Pakistan as other 50% is owned by PPL. So must of revenue from it will circulate in local economy.

PartyRevenue & Profit Streams
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL)50% of Net Profits, Repayment of capital loan from GoB with interest, Strategic expansion into hard-rock mining
Govt of Balochistan50% of Net Profits, Provincial Royalties, Zero upfront capital expenditure, Local job creation
Federal GovtCorporate taxes from PPL, Export duties, Influx of foreign exchange reserves from mineral exports
 
Great news for people of Khuzdar and Balochistan. This is highly lucrative deal for Balochistan govt who will not invest penny in it. Its also great for Pakistan as other 50% is owned by PPL. So must of revenue from it will circulate in local economy.

PartyRevenue & Profit Streams
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL)50% of Net Profits, Repayment of capital loan from GoB with interest, Strategic expansion into hard-rock mining
Govt of Balochistan50% of Net Profits, Provincial Royalties, Zero upfront capital expenditure, Local job creation
Federal GovtCorporate taxes from PPL, Export duties, Influx of foreign exchange reserves from mineral exports


Do you know that there are two by product of lead zinc mining far more precious


GALLIUM AND GERMANIUM

The two minerals Chinese use in their trade war with US
 
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With this Pakistan will soon ban export of raw pink salt.
 

Authorities increasing security around Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan: minister


State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry on Wednesday said authorities were stepping up security around the Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan after supply routes were disrupted in the region by terrorists, and the mine’s operator denied a report that the project could be forced to shut down.

The development comes as kinetic operations in the province are being carried out under Operation Shaban, a high-intensity counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaign launched by Pakistan’s security forces following multiple high-casualty and high-profile terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

Chaudhry said Islamabad had received the mine operator’s security concerns in early July and ordered agencies to increase deployment around its installations, personnel and cargo.

“We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation,” Chaudhry told Reuters.


“It is our priority to safeguard all projects run by international companies in Pakistan,” he said, adding that logistics and cargo shipments to the site would receive additional security protection.

Separately, Saindak Metals Limited’s Managing Director Raziq Sanjrani refuted as “factually incorrect” a report published by the Financial Times, which claimed that he had warned the energy ministry that operations could become unsustainable within a month because deteriorating security conditions were disrupting supply routes.

China’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of the situation but that Beijing would work with its close partner Pakistan to protect Chinese citizens, projects and institutions in the country.

The Saindak mine is operated by the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China’s Resources Development Company (MRDL) under a lease extended in 2022.

In February, MDRL reported the the company achieved major milestones at the Saindak project in 2025 through scientific planning and organised execution, setting historic records in production and operations while strengthening its safety systems.


Tan Jin, president of MRDL, said the company’s operational performance reached new heights and the Pakistan-China partnership has grown even stronger.

Declaring 2026 a year of new goals and responsibilities, Jin said MRDL would open a new chapter of growth through innovation, higher standards and improved performance. He also emphasised the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
 

Authorities increasing security around Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan: minister


State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry on Wednesday said authorities were stepping up security around the Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan after supply routes were disrupted in the region by terrorists, and the mine’s operator denied a report that the project could be forced to shut down.

The development comes as kinetic operations in the province are being carried out under Operation Shaban, a high-intensity counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaign launched by Pakistan’s security forces following multiple high-casualty and high-profile terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

Chaudhry said Islamabad had received the mine operator’s security concerns in early July and ordered agencies to increase deployment around its installations, personnel and cargo.

“We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation,” Chaudhry told Reuters.


“It is our priority to safeguard all projects run by international companies in Pakistan,” he said, adding that logistics and cargo shipments to the site would receive additional security protection.

Separately, Saindak Metals Limited’s Managing Director Raziq Sanjrani refuted as “factually incorrect” a report published by the Financial Times, which claimed that he had warned the energy ministry that operations could become unsustainable within a month because deteriorating security conditions were disrupting supply routes.

China’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of the situation but that Beijing would work with its close partner Pakistan to protect Chinese citizens, projects and institutions in the country.

The Saindak mine is operated by the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China’s Resources Development Company (MRDL) under a lease extended in 2022.

In February, MDRL reported the the company achieved major milestones at the Saindak project in 2025 through scientific planning and organised execution, setting historic records in production and operations while strengthening its safety systems.


Tan Jin, president of MRDL, said the company’s operational performance reached new heights and the Pakistan-China partnership has grown even stronger.

Declaring 2026 a year of new goals and responsibilities, Jin said MRDL would open a new chapter of growth through innovation, higher standards and improved performance. He also emphasised the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
Dawn didn't have the courage to report the original FT story, but I am glad they are brave enough to publish the sarkari denial.

Senior Interior Minister must be busy in some important meerings in America or Europe, but even the Stare minister could have better use of his time. Some SHO should have been enough to give this statesment.
 

OGDC discovers lithium in geothermal brines, opening new critical minerals opportunity​


First confirmed lithium-bearing geothermal brines could help Pakistan enter global battery minerals market

ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has announced a landmark discovery of lithium in geothermal formation water, marking the first confirmed occurrence of lithium-bearing geothermal brines in Pakistan and potentially creating a new opportunity for the country’s critical minerals sector.

The state-owned exploration company said advanced geochemical analysis of produced formation water from a high-temperature geothermal well confirmed lithium concentrations comparable to higher-tier lithium-bearing geothermal brines currently under commercial development in Europe and North America.

The discovery was made during successful testing of a geothermal well under OGDC’s pilot geothermal programme, highlighting Pakistan’s potential in strategic minerals critical to the global clean energy transition.

Lithium discovery boosts clean energy prospects

Lithium is considered one of the world’s most important critical minerals due to its role in manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, grid-scale energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.

With global demand for lithium expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the discovery could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to become part of the expanding international critical minerals supply chain.

OGDC said geothermal brines are increasingly recognised as a sustainable source of lithium production, offering environmental advantages compared with traditional hard-rock mining methods.

OGDC begins further technical evaluation

Following the discovery, OGDC has initiated an expanded technical evaluation programme to assess the regional extent, resource continuity and commercial viability of the lithium-bearing geothermal resources.


The next phase will include detailed brine chemistry analysis, resource confirmation studies and technical assessments based on internationally recognised standards.

The company said its technical experts are working with leading international consultants to advance evaluation and explore potential development options.

Strategic opportunity for Pakistan’s mineral sector

OGDC described the lithium discovery as a major milestone demonstrating Pakistan’s untapped subsurface resource potential beyond conventional oil and gas reserves.

The company said the breakthrough supports its long-term strategy to diversify into emerging energy and mineral resources while contributing to Pakistan’s energy security and sustainable economic growth.

If future studies confirm commercial viability, the discovery could position Pakistan as a potential supplier of critical minerals required for EV manufacturing, battery storage and other clean energy applications.

The development may also attract international investment into Pakistan’s mining, energy and technology sectors as global industries seek reliable sources of battery minerals.

 
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OGDC discovers lithium in geothermal brines, opening new critical minerals opportunity​


First confirmed lithium-bearing geothermal brines could help Pakistan enter global battery minerals market

ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has announced a landmark discovery of lithium in geothermal formation water, marking the first confirmed occurrence of lithium-bearing geothermal brines in Pakistan and potentially creating a new opportunity for the country’s critical minerals sector.

The state-owned exploration company said advanced geochemical analysis of produced formation water from a high-temperature geothermal well confirmed lithium concentrations comparable to higher-tier lithium-bearing geothermal brines currently under commercial development in Europe and North America.

The discovery was made during successful testing of a geothermal well under OGDC’s pilot geothermal programme, highlighting Pakistan’s potential in strategic minerals critical to the global clean energy transition.

Lithium discovery boosts clean energy prospects

Lithium is considered one of the world’s most important critical minerals due to its role in manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, grid-scale energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.

With global demand for lithium expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the discovery could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to become part of the expanding international critical minerals supply chain.

OGDC said geothermal brines are increasingly recognised as a sustainable source of lithium production, offering environmental advantages compared with traditional hard-rock mining methods.

OGDC begins further technical evaluation

Following the discovery, OGDC has initiated an expanded technical evaluation programme to assess the regional extent, resource continuity and commercial viability of the lithium-bearing geothermal resources.


The next phase will include detailed brine chemistry analysis, resource confirmation studies and technical assessments based on internationally recognised standards.

The company said its technical experts are working with leading international consultants to advance evaluation and explore potential development options.

Strategic opportunity for Pakistan’s mineral sector

OGDC described the lithium discovery as a major milestone demonstrating Pakistan’s untapped subsurface resource potential beyond conventional oil and gas reserves.

The company said the breakthrough supports its long-term strategy to diversify into emerging energy and mineral resources while contributing to Pakistan’s energy security and sustainable economic growth.

If future studies confirm commercial viability, the discovery could position Pakistan as a potential supplier of critical minerals required for EV manufacturing, battery storage and other clean energy applications.

The development may also attract international investment into Pakistan’s mining, energy and technology sectors as global industries seek reliable sources of battery minerals.


If Pakistan’s reservoir holds comparable volume to Western projects, OGDCL would likely target similar commercial plant sizes:

  • Initial / Small-Scale Commercial: Projects like Standard Lithium's Phase 1A in the US Smackover formation target roughly 5,000 to 5,500 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) per year.
  • Full-Scale Major Projects: Larger flagship sites—like Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart project in Europe or major expansions in the US—are modeled to produce 22,000 to 25,000 tonnes of LCE annually.

2. Market Pricing (The Volatility Factor)

Lithium prices are notoriously volatile. While prices peaked near $80,000 per tonne in 2022, they have since cooled as the global supply chain rebalances.
  • Current Spot Price (Mid-2026): Hovering between $13,000 and $15,000 per tonne due to a temporary global oversupply.
  • Long-Term Project Models: When major companies secure financing and calculate multi-decade economics (Definitive Feasibility Studies), they typically assume a long-term mid-cycle price of $22,000 to $30,000 per tonne.

The Revenue Estimate

Based on these verified industry benchmarks, here is a conservative matrix of what annual revenue could look like for Pakistan if the project reaches commercialization:

Plant ScaleAnnual Output (LCE)Est. Revenue @ $15k/tonne (Current Spot)Est. Revenue @ $25k/tonne (Long-Term Average)
Initial Phase5,000 tonnes$75 Million / year$125 Million / year
Mid-Scale15,000 tonnes$225 Million / year$375 Million / year
Flagship Scale25,000 tonnes$375 Million / year$625 Million / year

The Geothermal Bonus: This calculation only accounts for the sale of the lithium itself. Commercial geothermal Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) plants also generate massive amounts of zero-carbon heat and electricity. A fully scaled plant could power itself and sell surplus renewable energy back to the national grid, adding a secondary revenue stream and significantly lowering the operational cost of the lithium extraction itself.
 
  • Clay/Rock Deposits: Extracting lithium from clay requires traditional, heavy-impact mining. The earth must be dug up, crushed, and roasted or treated with large amounts of intense chemicals to separate the lithium. The technology to extract lithium specifically from clay at a commercial scale is still relatively new and expensive.
  • Pakistan's Geothermal Brines: Because the lithium is already dissolved in underground water, it does not require open-pit mining. Instead, operators use Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to pump the hot water up, filter out the lithium chemically, and pump the water back underground. This is generally much faster to process, requires less land, and is environmentally cleaner.
 

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