A report has surfaced regarding the secret allocation of 1400 square kilometers of land in the Mashkel, district Washuk, Balochistan for lithium extraction, allegedly granted to two companies by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals of Pakistan. This issue was highlighted in the Balochistan Assembly by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mir Zabid Ali Reki, who raised concerns through a call attention notice on July 29, questioning the allocation details and seeking clarification on the land granted since 2021 for lithium extraction.
According to the response submitted by the Secretary of Mines to the assembly, two companies were reportedly granted exploration licenses for lithium extraction from 2021 to 2024. The first company, Shaanxi Atlas International Mining Ltd., holds an Exploration License (EL-250) with a granted area of 417.45 square kilometers, effective from September 22, 2023. The company’s office is reportedly located at 15-A, First Floor, Taj Mahal, near 6th Road Metro Station, Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Its main shareholders include Ali Masood Khawar, holding a share of 50,000, and Muhammad Usman Khalid, with similar shareholder details.
The second company, M/S Tharai Limited, has reportedly been issued license RL-21, covering an area of 993 square kilometers, with the permission date stated as June 8, 2023. The company’s address is registered as Basement, Oriented Plaza, M.A. Jinnah Road, Quetta. Kamran Sheikh, reportedly one of the main shareholders, holds 5% of the shares, alongside an international shareholder named Vikki Steward based in Birmingham.
Notably, the report indicates that no local companies from Balochistan have been granted allocations in Hamun-e-Mashkel, a point which was emphasized by MPA Mir Zabid Ali Reki on the assembly floor. He reportedly questioned the absence of local representation despite applications from local mining entities, asserting that the primary right to the land should belong to the people of Balochistan.
Dr. Malik, former Chief Minister of Balochistan and head of the National Party, also addressed the assembly on the matter, reportedly voicing concerns over the cancellation of mining licenses previously held by locals and the allocation to external parties. He reportedly warned that such actions could have severe consequences for Balochistan’s resources and economy, referencing previous commitments, such as the Reko Diq project, which he suggested have yet to deliver on employment promises. Dr. Malik urged the assembly to consider relocating the Reko Diq company headquarters to Quetta to support local employment and economic stability.