The Executive Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has approved the use of Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBTL) for handling commodities beyond coal and cement, including copper, gold, metals, and other natural earth minerals, BR reported.
The decision was taken following a request from Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC), which identified PIBTL as a preferred interim export terminal for copper concentrate until Gwadar Port becomes operational.
PIBTL, operating under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement with Port Qasim Authority (PQA), is currently restricted to handling coal, clinker, and cement, classified as dirty bulk cargo.
Reko Diq Mining Company sought approval to use PIBTL for copper exports, citing its significance for national projects. The request raised concerns about whether amending the agreement required exemptions under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.
However, PPRA clarified that the change did not involve new procurement and therefore did not require an exemption.
Following discussions, the SIFC Executive Committee unanimously approved the exemption, allowing PIBTL to handle additional commodities. It directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to submit a formal case through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) to PPRA for exemption and to permit amendments to the Implementation Agreement.
The process, aimed at enabling PQA and PIBTL to facilitate the handling and export of minerals and metals on a non-exclusive basis, is to be completed by March 15, 2025.
