The federal government has ordered enhanced security for the Saindak Copper-Gold Project after its operator warned that worsening security conditions in Balochistan could disrupt operations if the movement of essential supplies is not maintained.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told Reuters that provincial authorities and security agencies had been directed to strengthen security for the mine's installations, personnel, transport routes and logistics.

"We have directed the provincial authorities and all concerned security agencies to beef up deployment for all of their installations, personnel, logistics and transportation," Chaudhry said.

According to the minister, the Interior Ministry received the operator's concerns earlier this month and has prioritised measures to ensure uninterrupted operations at the project.

"It is our priority to safeguard all projects run by international companies in Pakistan," he said, adding that cargo movements and supply convoys destined for the mine would receive additional security protection.

The development follows a report by the Financial Times, which said Saindak Metals Limited (SML) warned the Ministry of Energy that continued disruption to supply routes could force the project to suspend operations within a month due to difficulties in transporting essential materials, including furnace oil required for production.

The Saindak Copper-Gold Project, located in Chagai district near Pakistan's border with Iran, has been operated by China's state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) under a lease extended by the government in 2022. Most of the mine's copper concentrate is exported to China.

The warning comes amid a rise in militant attacks targeting security forces, transport routes and infrastructure across Balochistan, including projects linked to Chinese investment. The province hosts several major China-backed projects, including the deep-sea port at Gwadar and the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold project.

Responding to the reports, China's Foreign Ministry said it was not familiar with the specific situation but reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to working closely with Pakistan to safeguard Chinese nationals, institutions and investment projects.

"China and Pakistan are staunch friends and all-weather strategic partners," a spokesperson for the ministry said.

Security concerns have also drawn attention to the nearby Reko Diq project, where Barrick Mining is developing one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits. The project, valued at approximately $9 billion, is located about 50 kilometres from Saindak and has also been closely monitoring the evolving security environment in the region.

Meanwhile, Saindak Metals Limited has rejected suggestions that the mine faces imminent closure. In a statement issued after the reports emerged, SML Managing Director Razik Sanjrani said the project has remained fully operational for the past 25 years and dismissed claims that production was on the verge of stopping. He acknowledged that some transporters had expressed security concerns affecting the movement of furnace oil but said the company had coordinated with relevant government departments and security agencies to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies. According to Sanjrani, authorities have assured the company of continued support to maintain operations without disruption.

With input from Reuters