Resource-rich Balochistan has become a high-risk zone for the mining industry. According to ACLED data, 38 mining-related attacks were recorded in the first nine months of 2026. Over three years, the total has exceeded 130. This is undermining Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign investment in some of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits.
Balochistan has long been gripped by conflict between separatists and the government. For the insurgents, resource extraction symbolizes the exploitation of national wealth, making mining facilities frequent targets. Copper, gold, chromite, coal, and natural gas operations are all at risk.
A distinctive feature of the current wave of violence is its focus on transport. According to ACLED, most attacks on mineral projects occur in transit, where militants can bypass the heightened security at the mines themselves. Nearly 90% of separatist attacks on mining facilities happen on roads. Typically, militants shoot out tires to stop trucks, and sometimes set vehicles on fire after forcing the driver out.
Flagship projects such as the Reko Diq copper mine and the Saindak copper-gold project, which involve foreign partners, receive protection from private and state security forces. The picture is different at state-owned oil and gas facilities: more than half of attacks there occur directly at the fields, since security is weaker. Coal operations are more often hit during transport, with about a third of attacks occurring on-site.
The goal of the attacks is less about casualties than disruption and intimidation. Fewer than 17% of incidents involve roadside bombs or mines. The main damage comes from destruction of property and the creation of an atmosphere of instability. Militants are also increasing the number of checkpoints and roadblocks, demonstrating the weakening of state authority in remote areas. ACLED forecasts that such incidents will increase in 2026 compared to the previous year.
The consequences are already being felt. Private mining companies are warning of possible work stoppages or slowdowns, and workers are going on strike. Increased security presents an additional risk: abuses by security forces could damage companies’ reputations and harm relations with local communities — which is critical for safety.
Pakistan is increasing its security forces in Balochistan, but the conflict cannot be resolved through force alone. Its roots lie in political disputes over resources, autonomy, and revenue distribution. Until these issues are resolved, investment in the region’s mineral wealth will remain a high-risk proposition.
Source: MINING.COM
Image: Joshua Kruger
