Minister Ahsan Iqbal Praises Chinese Mining Efforts in Balochistan, Eyes Expansion under CPEC

Islamabad, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the significant role of mining in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during a meeting on Thursday with representatives from MRDL Saindak, a Chinese mining company operating in Chaghi, Balochistan. The minister lauded the company’s long-standing contributions to the mining sector in this resource-rich region.

According to Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Iqbal encouraged MRDL Saindak to formalize their proposal for the inclusion of their latest project in the CPEC framework. The discussion also touched on how connecting the mining operations to a national power grid could potentially reduce operational costs for all mining projects in the province.

Furthermore, MRDL’s proposal to establish a mineral industrial park in Pakistan was discussed, which would refine and process minerals like copper, lead, and zinc, adding more value to the extracted resources. This park could spur additional investments in metal refineries and related manufacturing facilities, ultimately fostering the development of supporting industries like power and water supply, and transportation.