As with previous mining disasters, expressions of grief, promises of investigations and compensation for bereaved families have followed. The real test, however, is whether this tragedy finally prompts the reforms needed to improve mining conditions in the country. The Quetta tragedy, therefore, reflects a broader governance failure. Expanding mineral extraction without first strengthening governance could thus be a costly mistake. Pakistan must take a hard look at the shortcomings of its mining sector before embarking on an expansion of its extractive industries.