Today, May 15, 2025, the Baloch nationalist movement has intensified its push for independence from Pakistan. Led by activist Mir Yar Baloch, the movement has declared the establishment of the “Republic of Balochistan,” asserting sovereignty over the Balochistan region. This declaration follows a series of coordinated attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on Pakistani military and government installations, known as Operation Herof 2.0, which began earlier this month.
The self-proclaimed Republic of Balochistan has set Quetta as its provisional capital and is seeking international recognition, including appeals to the United Nations and the Indian government. The movement emphasizes the establishment of a transitional government with representation for Baloch women and assurances for the safety of minority communities.
As of now, no country or international organization has officially recognized Balochistan’s declaration of independence. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments in the region.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least populated province, sits atop a treasure trove of energy and mineral resources. Stretching across deserts, mountains, and coastlines, the region is home to vast reserves of copper, gold, coal, chromite, uranium, and natural gas. Despite its resource richness, Balochistan remains economically marginalized—a paradox that has sparked both local resentment and geopolitical interest.
🛢️ Natural Gas: Sui and Beyond
The most well-known energy asset in Balochistan is the Sui gas field, located in the Dera Bugti district. Discovered in 1952, Sui has long been a pillar of Pakistan’s energy grid, supplying gas to major cities like Lahore and Karachi. However, local communities often receive little benefit, lacking access to basic services despite living atop national energy lifelines.
While Sui remains active, newer blocks are under exploration across the province. Pakistan’s Petroleum Policy (2023–24) has targeted Balochistan for expanded drilling, though investor interest is dampened by security concerns and poor infrastructure.
⛏️ Mining: From Copper and Gold to Uranium and Chromite
Reko Diq: A Giant Awakens
One of the world’s largest untapped copper-gold deposits lies in Reko Diq, in the Chagai district near the Iranian border. After a decade-long legal battle, the project was revived in 2022 under a new agreement with Barrick Gold (Canada), which now holds a 50% stake.
Expected output:
- Copper: 200,000 tons/year
- Gold: 250,000 ounces/year
Production is slated to begin by 2028, with a $7 billion investment plan. Reko Diq is widely seen as a game-changer for Pakistan’s mining economy—but only if equitable revenue sharing and environmental safeguards are upheld.
Saindak: China’s Foothold in Balochistan
Just 30 kilometers from Reko Diq lies the Saindak copper-gold-silver mine, operated by China Metallurgical Corporation (MCC) under a long-term lease. While it has been in production since 2002, it faces criticism for environmental damage and minimal reinvestment into local communities.
Chromite, Marble, and More
- Chromite: Found in Muslim Bagh and Khuzdar. Most exports go to China for use in the stainless-steel industry.
- Marble & Granite: Rich quarries exist in Loralai and Lasbela, but lack of local processing facilities limits value capture.
- Coal: Low- to mid-grade coal is extracted in Duki, Sibi, and Mach. Largely used for cement and brick industries with dangerous working conditions and frequent mining accidents.
- Uranium: Suspected reserves in Chagai and Kharan, but exploration remains politically sensitive.
⚡ Renewable Energy Potential
Balochistan’s vast, sparsely populated terrain makes it ideal for renewable energy—particularly solar and wind.
- Solar: Receives over 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, with Nok Kundi, Dalbandin, and Nushki identified as ideal locations for large-scale solar farms.
- Wind: Coastal districts like Gwadar and Lasbela have measured strong, consistent wind flows, though transmission infrastructure remains a bottleneck.
🌐 CPEC and the Geopolitics of Extraction
Balochistan plays a central role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with the Gwadar Port and energy corridors running through the province. While China views Balochistan as a gateway to the Arabian Sea, many locals see it as an exploitative arrangement where foreign entities benefit from their land and labor without adequate compensation.
Major CPEC-linked projects include:
- Gwadar Coal Power Plant (660 MW)
- LNG Terminals
- Transmission lines to connect the port to national grids
⚠️ Challenges: Security, Autonomy, and Environmental Risks
- Insurgency: Ongoing separatist movements like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have targeted energy and mining installations, viewing them as symbols of exploitation.
- Neglect: Despite producing gas for the rest of Pakistan, districts like Dera Bugti still lack clean drinking water and electricity.
- Environmental degradation: Open-pit mining, especially at Saindak, has led to soil and water contamination.
- Legal controversies: The Reko Diq project was previously halted due to a $6 billion arbitration penalty by ICSID in 2019, resolved only through renegotiation.
🧭 The Road Ahead
If managed transparently and equitably, Balochistan’s natural resources could power not just Pakistan’s economy but also improve the lives of its long-neglected communities. But doing so will require:
- Legal frameworks that ensure local participation and environmental accountability.
- Political stability and negotiations with local stakeholders.
- Diversification into renewables to build a sustainable energy future.
The question remains: Will Balochistan continue to be seen as a periphery to extract from, or a central pillar of South Asia’s energy and mining future?