Rakhshan Division — Industries
Agriculture and livestock-based economy with mining, stone cutting, handicrafts, and border trade potential across four districts.
Rakhshan Division’s economy is primarily agriculture and livestock-based, with dates, wheat, barley, and fruits cultivated in oases. Key industries include small-scale mining (chromite, copper, marble) and traditional handicrafts. The region benefits from proximity to the Iran border for trade. Challenges to industrial growth include arid climate, water scarcity, and limited infrastructure. Development focuses on mining potential, solar energy, and improving connectivity via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes. Low industrialization keeps it one of Balochistan’s less developed divisions.
Sector Overview
| Sectors | Major products | Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Mines and minerals | Gemstone, uranium, copper, aggregate, silver, lead, gold, zinc, onyx, granite, antimony, iron ore, chromite, marble | Kharan, Chagai, Washuk, Nushki |
| Agriculture | Dates, barley, wheat, tomatoes, onion, jowar, grapes | Kharan, Chagai, Nushki, Washuk |
| Stone cutting | Marble, onyx | Kharan, Chagai |
Industrial Infrastructure
Economic Corridor
- Establishment of a new security corridor in Rakhshan Division was announced by the Prime Minister to secure the mineral-rich area. Source
- The division lies along the major western route of CPEC.
- It is not directly linked to CPEC but has access through nearby routes.
Kharan — Economic Hub of the Division
Kharan, the administrative headquarters of Rakhshan Division in Balochistan, serves as a vital commercial and trade node. Strategically located near the Pakistan–Iran border, Kharan acts as a gateway for cross-border trade and transit. Rich in mineral resources like chromite and marble, it attracts mining investment. Under CPEC’s Western Route influence, the district is poised for infrastructure growth, including roads and energy projects.
Major Industrial Activities
- Mining
- Stone cutting
- Handicrafts
- Date processing and packaging
Employment Mix
Employment is mainly concentrated in:
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Mining
- Cutting and crushing
- Dates packaging
District Industry Profile Summary
| District | Industry |
|---|---|
| Kharan | Mining and minerals, date processing |
| Chagai | Mining and minerals, stone crushing |
| Nushki | Mining and minerals |
| Washuk | Mining and minerals |
Economic Impact
- Employment: Mostly people are employed in mining and minerals sectors as well as services.
- Exports: Copper, marble, dates
- GDP contribution: Mining and minerals contribute 2–3% in annual GDP every year, while Balochistan holds 55% of its share. Specific data on Rakhshan Division is limited.
Growth Opportunity
- Vast potential to increase the economy through mining of precious gems and stones
- Potential for public–private partnership
- Potential for economic growth through the Pak–Iran border
Major Industry — District-wide
Kharan
- Nausherwani Mine
- Nausherwani Quartz Mine
- Thurdook
- Maldin Koh
- Ghatt Mine & Rayo Mine
Chagai
- Reko Diq Project / Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC)
- Saindak Metals Limited (SML)
- National Resources Limited (NRL)
Nushki
- Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company (BMEC)
Washuk
- Master Mining
- Glabacore Mineral
Reko Diq Project — Milestone in the Division
The Reko Diq Project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, located in the Chagai district of Rakhshan Division, Balochistan. Jointly developed by Barrick Gold and Pakistan through a 50–50 partnership, the project holds estimated reserves of over 5.9 billion tonnes of ore, containing 40 million ounces of gold and 13.6 billion pounds of copper. Expected to be a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, it promises annual production of ~500,000 ounces of gold and significant copper output once fully operational.
Key Notes — Rakhshan Division
- The division has vast potential for economic growth through public–private partnership in the mines and minerals industry.
- Along with mining, the division also has an agro-based economy. It cultivates wheat, tomatoes, barley, and dates.
- The major minerals and stones in Rakhshan Division are gold, silver, copper, iron, and onyx.