The Special Investment Facilitation Council has cleared the way for a $200 million investment in the Barite Lead Zinc Project in Khuzdar, Balochistan, after resolving long standing lease related issues that had delayed the venture for several years. The development marks a significant step for Pakistan’s mining sector as the government seeks to remove administrative barriers affecting major investment projects and accelerate the development of the country’s mineral resources. The project, which has remained on the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s agenda since December 2023, is now positioned to move into its implementation phase following the resolution of the outstanding issues.
The Barite Lead Zinc Project is being developed by Pakistan Petroleum Limited in partnership with Bolan Mining Enterprises under a joint venture arrangement. Pakistan Petroleum Limited is serving as the project operator and holds a 50 percent working interest in the venture. The resolution of the lease and administrative matters has removed key obstacles that previously prevented the project from progressing according to its development plans. Officials have described the development as an important breakthrough for unlocking Pakistan’s mineral potential and attracting large scale investment into the mining industry.
A major milestone for the project was achieved during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, where an Operational Agreement for the venture was signed. The agreement formally created the basis for moving forward with development activities and implementation of the mining project. The latest intervention by the Special Investment Facilitation Council has now helped address the outstanding matters that had remained unresolved after the agreement, allowing the project to progress towards development. The move also reflects the council’s role in coordinating with relevant stakeholders to address regulatory and administrative obstacles affecting strategic investment projects.
Located in Khuzdar district, an area known for its mineral resources, the Barite Lead Zinc Project is considered a significant long term mining asset for Pakistan. The project has estimated reserves of 69 million tonnes and a projected mine life of 34 years. These figures give the venture a substantial operating horizon and position it as an important component of Pakistan’s efforts to develop its domestic mineral sector. The project’s scale also provides an opportunity to increase commercial activity around mineral extraction while supporting associated infrastructure and industrial development in Balochistan.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate annual revenues ranging between $150 million and $230 million. The anticipated revenues could contribute to Pakistan’s mineral exports while supporting economic activity in the region. The project is also expected to create employment opportunities and encourage infrastructure development around the mining area. Increased industrial activity associated with extraction and processing could further support businesses and services connected to the mining value chain in Balochistan.
The development of the Khuzdar project is also being viewed as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to attract investment into its underdeveloped mineral resources. Industry sources said the resolution of the project’s long pending issues demonstrates the government’s intention to create a more investor friendly environment by addressing regulatory obstacles and facilitating projects considered strategically important to the economy. Removing delays related to leases and administrative approvals can be particularly important for large scale mining projects, where development timelines and capital commitments depend on the availability of clear legal and operational frameworks.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council has played an increasingly important role in coordinating efforts to accelerate high impact investment projects by bringing together federal and provincial stakeholders. In the case of the Khuzdar Barite Lead Zinc Project, the council’s intervention helped address issues that had remained unresolved for an extended period. The latest progress demonstrates how coordination between government institutions and project stakeholders can help move investment initiatives from planning and agreement stages towards actual implementation.
The advancement of the project could also strengthen investor confidence in Pakistan’s mining sector. The country has significant mineral resources, but several projects have historically faced delays linked to regulatory processes, administrative approvals and other implementation challenges. The resolution of the Khuzdar project’s lease related issues provides an example of efforts to address these barriers and create greater certainty for investors and project operators.
For Balochistan, the project could have wider economic implications once development and production activities begin. In addition to the expected mineral revenues and exports, the venture could generate employment, support infrastructure expansion and stimulate demand for services connected to mining operations. The anticipated 34 year mine life also provides the potential for sustained economic activity in the region over an extended period.
The latest development therefore places the Khuzdar Barite Lead Zinc Project closer to implementation and strengthens its position as a major investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector. With the lease related obstacles resolved and the Operational Agreement already signed, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Bolan Mining Enterprises can proceed with the next stages of the venture. The project is expected to contribute to mineral exports, investment, employment and regional economic activity while supporting the government’s wider strategy of using Pakistan’s mineral resources to strengthen economic growth.
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