Barrick Gold CEO Promises 'Generational Benefits' from Reko Diq Copper and Gold Project in Pakistan's Balochistan Province

Mark Bristow, CEO of Canadian mining firm Barrick Gold, met residents of Humai village near the Reko Diq mine site, saying the multibillion-dollar project will deliver sustained economic and social development for local communities for decades to come. The Reko Diq project, jointly owned by Barrick and the governments of Pakistan and Balochistan, is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. Despite long delays due to legal disputes and concerns over foreign investment, the mine is seen as a potential economic game changer in a province plagued by poverty, underdevelopment, and armed separatist violence.

Key Takeaways:

• The Reko Diq project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost Pakistan's export revenues, with production expected to begin by 2028.
• As of now, 75% of the workforce for the project is from Balochistan, with the majority from District Chagai, and the company aims to continue strengthening this local representation.
• Barrick has made recent investments in health care, including a new Mother and Child Health Center in Humai that offers maternal care services, the first of its kind in the area.
• The project is not just focused on mining, but also includes investments in job creation, skills training, education, and health care for Baloch communities.
• Local elders and development committee members have reaffirmed their support for the project, with village chief Liaqat Malik and Par-e-Koh Community Development Committee Chairman Taj Muhammad thanking Bristow and RDMC for their engagement and development work.
• The Pakistani government has said it will ensure environmental protections and fair distribution of project benefits, though watchdog groups continue to call for greater transparency and community participation in oversight.

Statistics:

• 80% of the workforce is expected to be from the local area, reflecting the company's commitment to local employment and economic development.
• The Reko Diq project is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, with the potential to generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue.
• Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, has suffered from poverty, underdevelopment, and armed separatist violence for years.
• The Pakistani government has pledged to ensure environmental protections and fair distribution of project benefits, in line with Barrick's commitment to responsible mining practices.
• The project is expected to deliver 'generational benefits' to the local communities, providing sustained economic and social development for decades to come.

Sources:

• Barrick Gold
• Pakistan Daily Times