QUETTA - Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Malik Baloch has dispelled the impression of striking a deal with any company regarding Reko Diq gold-cum-copper mine project.
“I will not sell even a stone of Balochistan, Reko Diq is something very big,” Dr Baloch told a crowded press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta on Thursday.
The chief minister’s remarks came after opposition parties in the Balochistan Assembly levelled serious allegations against the provincial government. The opposition parties had claimed that Reko Diq gold and copper reservoirs were being sold to foreign companies.
The chief minister rejected the reports of again granting then contract to Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) of Reko Diq. He said the Supreme Court had already rejected the agreement with TCC and the apex court had issued a judgment in this regard as well.
Baloch said the agreement with TCC by Balochistan Development Authority had violated the mines and minerals rules of the province. “Every company is bound to follow the Balochistan mining rules,” he added.
Dr Malik said the agreement with Tethyan Copper Company had been cancelled and the company would not be awarded contract of the project again.
Baloch told his cabinet, the Balochistan Assembly and masses of the province that the provincial government would guard all mineral and natural resources and added, “I am leading an accountable and responsive government.”
The chief minister also said his government has decided to serve legal notices on two journalists who were allegedly spreading false information against him. “These anchors are misleading the people,” he said.
The chief minister, however, lamented the masses of Balochistan had yet to benefit from the rich mineral and natural resources. “Even Sui town is deprived of gas facility,” He said while referring to rich gas reservoirs in Balochistan’s troubled Dera Bugtio district.
Regarding Saindak Project, the chief minister stated the province was not beneficiary of the project while Chinese and the federal government were its major beneficiaries.
"China and the federal government were getting 50 percent share each, but Balochistan was being paid royalty of only 2 percent,” he said.
Dr Malik said the agreement with Tethyan Copper Company had been cancelled and the company would not be given contract of the project again.