ECC Delays Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Reko Diq Approval

The Economic Coordination Committee postponed the Pakistan International Bulk Terminal-Reko Diq export plan over arbitration disputes. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs must revise the framework after stakeholder consultations.

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The Economic Coordination Committee has postponed approval of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs proposal concerning arbitration between Port Qasim Authority and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal linked to Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) exports. The dispute centers on handling copper, gold, and minerals from the Reko Diq project through Port Qasim under a draft Supplemental Implementation Agreement.

Port Qasim Authority demands arbitration under Pakistani law in Karachi, while Pakistan International Bulk Terminal and Reko Diq Mining Company prefer the London Court of International Arbitration. The Attorney General’s office advised proceeding with limitations on successors tied to Reko Diq Mining Company entities. The original Build-Operate-Transfer project approved in 2010 covered coal, clinker, and cement but now requires Public Procurement Regulatory Authority compliance for mineral expansion.

Ministry of Maritime Affairs cited limited Gwadar Port infrastructure as justification for the interim Port Qasim export route. The Economic Coordination Committee ordered revised stakeholder consultations emphasizing transparency and value assessment before final approval.