ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: International mining companies operating in Balochistan are seeking adequate security cover and necessary infrastructure facilities in Chagai district to complete their over $1 billion copper projects.

Officials told Dawn on Saturday that the Balochistan government had been directed by the centre to ensure timely development and commissioning of mines by extending appropriate protection along with various facilities, especially electricity, gas and water to the international companies.

"In the next five years, Chagai district will be a hub for the metallic mineral mining industry and will contribute significantly to the national economy," says a latest document of the ministry of petroleum and natural resources.

However, it said that international companies should be provided required security and infrastructure facilities in the absence of which Pakistan would not be able to exploit the full potential of rich mineral resources in Balochistan.

Though rich in minerals, the document said, Chagai was faced with acute shortage of water. The area has no surface flow. Like the Saindak project, the expected mining operations in Reko Diq will depend on sub-surface water and it is, therefore, time to explore underground water potential of the region, a pre-requisite for any mining project.

The ministry of petroleum has finalised a plan that envisaged exploration and development of underground water potential for the expected mining projects so as to overcome the shortage of water. In case of finding adequate reserves of underground water, supply of water to the planned projects in the area will be initiated.

"More international mining companies would be attracted to the area, hosting a large deposit of copper ore. Through international investment, Pakistan would become a major copper-producing country in the world," the document said.