Talc
Pakistan is the second largest exporter in the world of raw talc, after China.
Exports have varied between 350-450,000 MT per annum in recent years. Going back a decade, approximately 80-90% of the talc was sourced from mines in Afghanistan. Over the years, this ratio has changed significantly to only about 20-25% of the material coming from Afghanistan.
HM is involved with Pakistani talc only, although it has the resources and ability to source from Afghanistan, if required.
As shown on the map, there are two main areas in Pakistan where talc is mined – Parachinar Area (which borders Afghanistan) and Abbottabad area which is in the North-Eastern part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Although talc mining has been going on in this area since the 1960s, it only started gathering momentum around 2005-10.
As mentioned, Coastal…now Hamsa, started this business in 2008, and have concentrated in the Abbottabad area ever since.
Since starting this business in 2008, HM has gradually, over time, developed long term strategic relationships with the many local mine owners who own and operate multiple mines.
Rather than directly owning the mines by applying to the government for Mining Leases, HM has opted to work with the local tribes and families who have owned much of the land in this area for several generations. This strategy has resulted in long-term harmonious relationships and a win-win situation for all.
HM has an office and staff in this area, helping operate the mines and logistics to eventually transport the material to its warehouses in Karachi. This physical presence is crucial to ensure regular and stable supply.
HM provides the local mine-owners’ families with know-how, mining equipment and advance financing, in exchange for guaranteed off-take.
HM is currently the largest exporter to Japan, supplying mainly to Matsumura Sangyo Co Ltd (since 2008) and Fuji Talc Industrial Co Ltd (since 2022).
Since 2009, HM has supplied various grades of talc, via their agent, Dalian Haichen Minchem Co. Ltd., to several talc processors in China, who use Pakistani material to blend with domestic talc.
Since 2019, HM has also been supplying lower grades of talc on a regular and long-term basis to Il Shin Materials Co. Ltd., in South Korea.
HM has the infrastructure to handle large volumes with 4 warehouses near Karachi port.
The company has a team of very experienced managers, supervisors and workers.
Its qualified staff and QC standards are amongst the highest in the business in Pakistan.
HM has its own laboratory and equipment, for testing all the optical properties.
HM is in a position to supply a wide variety of qualities and sizes to cater to the customer’s individual requirements.
