The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has granted an exemption to Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBTL), allowing it to handle and export minerals—such as copper and gold—extracted from the Reko Diq project.
Sources told Nukta that the exemption was approved following a request from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA), permitting PIBTL to manage minerals mined by Barrick Gold.
Previously, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had also approved the exemption but directed the MoMA to formally refer the case to the PPRA and seek amendments to the implementation agreement between the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and PIBTL, sources said.
According to sources, the MoMA sought the exemption under Section 21 of the PPRA Ordinance, 2002, which allows the federal government to waive standard public procurement rules when necessary for national interests.
Additionally, the ministry requested an exemption from Section 7.12 of the National Mineral Policy 2013, which mandates competitive bidding for awarding mineral rights.
Sources further revealed that a revised agreement between PQA and PIBTL—facilitating the handling and export of these minerals—will be finalized soon.
Nukta reached out to the Secretary of Finance, who also serves as Chairman of the PPRA board, for comment but did not receive a response.
