Reko Diq project: Barrick Gold CEO says will focus on creation of job opportunities in Chagai

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barrick Gold Corporation, Mark Bristow has said that his company will focus on creation of employment opportunities and initiate development projects for the residents of Chagai district.

He was addressing local notables and government officials at auditorium hall in Frontier Corps headquarter Nokkundi area of Chagai district on Monday.

Britow said that almost ten thousand direct and indirect job opportunities would be provided once the Reko Diq project was made functional.

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He said that his company had a clear plan for development of Nokkundi and Chagai district where provision of clean drinking water, quality education and healthcare services to local masses would be the priority of Barrick Gold.

“Yesterday was an exciting day when we signed the Reko Diq agreement with governments of Pakistan and Balochistan.” Britow explained and said that local partnership in running the Reko Diq Copper and Gold mine would be ensured through providing business and job opportunities.

He termed the local population as family members of his company and said they were willing to see prosperity in the area.

on March 20, 2022, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said that Balochistan government and Barrick Gold Corporation have agreed on reconstitution of the Reko Diq project.

He said this while briefing media in Islamabad on Sunday along with Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar and Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.

The Finance Minister termed the agreement a great achievement for the country, especially Balochistan.

He said Balochistan will benefit from this project for next hundred years, including provincial taxes and royalties.

He expressed the belief that there will be huge investment in the province, after signing of this agreement.

Speaking on the occasion, Hammad Azhar said the agreement will open up doors of exploration of copper and gold in the province.

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He said the Reko Diq mine will potentially be the largest gold and copper mine in the world.

He said investments of 10 billion dollars will be made in Balochistan.

It is pertinent to mention that Reko Diq project was suspended in 2011 due to a dispute over the legality of its licensing process.