Balochistan, a province of Pakistan, is believed to have significant deposits of gold. The Saindak Copper and Gold mine, located in Chagai district, has been in operation since 1995 and is believed to contain deposits of copper, gold, and silver. The mine is operated by the Saindak Metals Limited, a company owned by the Government of Pakistan. The Saindak mine has estimated reserves of 4.24 million tonnes of ore grading 0.45% copper, 0.22g/t gold, and 2.76g/t silver.
There are also reports of gold deposits in the Reko Diq area, located in Chaghi district, which is believed to have one of the world’s largest deposits of copper and gold. The Reko Diq mine is estimated to have 5.9 billion tonnes of ore, with an average copper grade of 0.41% and an average gold grade of 0.22g/t. The project was initially developed by Tethyan Copper Company (TCC), a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Antofagasta Minerals, but the development of the mine has been the subject of ongoing legal disputes.
In addition to Saindak and Reko Diq, there are other areas of Balochistan that are believed to have gold deposits. Zarkashan, located in the Chaghi district, is another area with reported gold deposits. The Chaghi district is known for having the highest density of mineral deposits in Pakistan, and the Zarkashan area is believed to have large deposits of gold, copper, and silver. Another area with reported gold deposits is Koh-e-Taftan, which is located in the western part of Balochistan.
The mining industry in Balochistan has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to the province and the country. The exploration and development of mineral resources can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and generate revenue for the government. However, the mining industry in Balochistan has also faced challenges, including security concerns, lack of infrastructure, and disputes over the distribution of royalties and revenue. Despite these challenges, the government of Pakistan has been making efforts to attract investment in the mining sector in Balochistan. The government has introduced policies and incentives to encourage exploration and development of mineral resources, and has also established a number of institutions to promote the mining sector. For example, the Balochistan Mineral Development Company was established to develop and promote the mining sector in the province, and the Balochistan Mining and Mineral Development Corporation was established to manage and regulate the mining industry in the province.