Barrick Gold starts implementation of Reko Diq agreement

• Barrick Gold Corporation has started work on Reko Diq project
• The company has set up an office in Quetta and hired engineers
• The company will invest in developing social sector and community programs

QUETTA: Mining giant Barrick Gold Corporation has officially started work on the implementation of the multi-billion Reko Diq agreement in Balochistan.

A ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding the Reko Diq agreement. Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Qudous Bizenjo and Chief Executive of Barrick Gold Corporation Mr Mark Bristow participated in the ceremony.

Opposition Leader Malik Sikander Khan, provincial ministers and Balochistan Assembly MPAs from the government, and opposition along with the Reko Diq project team were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Balochistan said their presence is a manifestation that the government and the opposition are on the same page regarding the Reko Diq agreement.

“We have reached here through difficult stages. We wanted all difficulties and obstacles to be removed as soon as possible,” the chief minister said, adding the political leadership should be taken into confidence to regain support.

He said passing the required legislation was also a difficult phase but it has been resolved amicably. He said the start of the implementation of Reko Diq project as a blessing for Balochistan and Pakistan.

Barrick Gold Corporation CEO Mark Bristow thanked the chief minister  and the members of the provincial assembly for welcoming him and his team.

He said the meeting is historic as they have commenced work on the project at the beginning of the new year He said Barrick Gold Corporation has established a project office in Quetta.

He mentioned they have selected the best team of experts while locals are also working on the project. He added that engineers have arrived at Reko Diq field and started the initial work.

Mr Bristow said recruitment process has also started in their Quetta office which will be majority of locals. He said establishing a cordial and trustworthy relationship with the community and their welfare will be the foremost priority.

He said they will follow the agreement according to its spirit. He said development of the social sector is being initiated in the area as per the agreement and they will invest in the local community.

He said the company will also invest in providing primary education, training and higher education to the youth in the relevant field. He added that sending local children to school is a challenge.

Mr Bristown said they need to inculcate a sense of partnership and ownership among locals by giving them the opportunity to participate in contract business.

He further mentioned that $3 million will be transferred to the Balochistan government this month regarding the Tanjeel agreement relating to gold and copper reserves

We have not only come to invest in Reko Diq, but it is also our priority to open Balochistan to the world for investment, he said.

Opposition Leader Malik Sikander Khan welcomed Mark Bristow and said it is a historic moment as the implementation of Reko Diq agreement has officially.  He said the project will change the destiny of Balochistan.

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