The Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani termed the SC verdict historic, saying it had fulfilled the wishes of the people of Balochistan. – File Photo

QUETTA: A final decision about the future of the Reko Diq copper-cum-gold mineral project will be taken next week, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani said on Wednesday.

“We will make a final decision about extending the mining licence for the Reko Diq project in the first week of June,” Mr Raisani told Dawn hours after the Supreme Court through a judgment allowed the provincial government to take a decision on the validity of the mining licence.

The chief minister termed the SC verdict historic, saying it had fulfilled the wishes of the people of Balochistan.

He said the Supreme Court had established that people of Balochistan had the first right on natural resources of their province.

“We will make a decision about the Reko Diq project in accordance with the existing mine and mineral laws of the province,” Mr Raisani said.

“I will not commit the sin of selling out the natural resources of Balochistan at a throwaway price,” he said, adding that these resources were assets of the people of the province.

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