Reko-Diq case: Supreme Court asks AG Balochistan to submit exploration agreement's copies

The Supreme Court on Monday directed advocate general Balochistan to submit copies of letters granting agreement to BHP Billiton Company and approving relaxation in mineral rules for exploration of copper and gold at Reko-Diq.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry with Justice Mohammad Sair Ali and Justice Ghulam Rabbani was hearing various petitions against leasing of Reko-Diq goldmine and copper project in Balochistan to foreign exploration and mining companies in violation of law.
Justice Chaudhry observed that BHP lawyer Martin Haris sent the amendments in the mineral and mines rules, which the provincial government accepted. The CJP said they have to go by the letter of law.
Khalid Anwar, counsel for Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) informed the bench that they had filed fresh application for issuance of mining licence on February 15, 2011, on which the court said: "Under section 5, 14 and 15, there were certain restriction to grant such licence and lease or enter into such agreement". The Reko Diq project, located in Chaghi district of Balochistan, is being developed by TCCP, jointly owned by Barrick Gold Corporation, Canada, and Antofagasta, Chile. The hearing was adjourned for Tuesday.