A new US-Pakistan mining deal in Balochistan, finalised amid the renewed US-Pakistan strategic partnership under President Donald Trump, risks intensifying conflict and deepening the suffering of the Baloch people. The mineral-rich region, abundant in copper, gold, lithium, and other critical minerals, is a focal point of US efforts to counter China’s regional influence. However, local Baloch armed groups strongly oppose foreign investments without their consent, viewing such projects as exploitative and harmful to their quest for sovereignty. Previous mega-projects like CPEC, Reko Diq, and Saindak have led to displacement, militarization, and environmental damage, without benefiting locals. Pakistan’s economic crisis is driving its eagerness to trade Balochistan’s resources for short-term financial relief, risking further marginalization and violence. The ongoing insurgency and military crackdown are expected to worsen, underlining the urgent need for political rights and inclusive development in the region. Mobile internet remains suspended amid security measures ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day, reflecting heightened tensions and militant activity in Balochistan. The deal threatens to turn mining sites into new battlegrounds, exacerbating instability in an already volatile region.