Balochistan’s mineral wealth has been discussed for decades, but the global context around it has changed. Copper, gold and other minerals are increasingly tied to electricity grids, renewable energy, electric vehicles, data centres, semiconductors and defence supply chains.
Copper is especially important because electrification requires large amounts of wiring, transformers and grid equipment. Global miners and governments are therefore paying more attention to large undeveloped copper deposits. Reko Diq in Chagai district is one of the most prominent examples. Barrick’s latest reserve reporting lists a very large copper resource at the project, alongside substantial gold.
The strategic interest goes beyond one mine. China dominates many parts of the global critical-mineral processing chain, while the United States, Europe and other economies are trying to diversify supplies. In 2026 the G7 launched new coordination efforts on critical minerals, reflecting how supply security has become a geopolitical issue.
Pakistan has also said it wants to expand mining investment, including under an upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. That creates an opportunity but also a policy challenge: mining projects need roads, power, water, financing, security and credible environmental and community agreements before mineral wealth becomes export revenue.
Balochistan’s local politics are equally important. The province has a long-running separatist insurgency and recurring disputes over resource ownership, revenue sharing and development. Security concerns have already affected investment timelines. Barrick slowed work on Reko Diq in 2026 while reviewing regional and project risks.
So the key question is not simply how much copper or gold exists underground. The real value depends on whether projects can be financed, built and operated in a way that is secure, commercially viable and accepted by affected communities. In the critical-minerals era, geology is only the first step.