Reko Diq all set to revolutionize local economy: Mark Bristow

ISLAMABAD: Barrick Gold Corporation’s President and Chief Executive, Mark Bristow on Sunday said that the Reko Diq project was revolutionary and would change the fate of Baluchistan by revolutionizing the local economy.

In an interview with a private news channel, he stated that an estimated $10 billion would be invested during next eight to nine years, which would boost the mining industry and the local economy.

He said that he underscored the company’s commitment to sustainable development, job creation and community empowerment.

Earlier on March 22, a delegation of Barrick Gold Company led by Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow met Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Friday and informed that the feasibility of the Reko Diq project in Balochistan would be completed by end of current year.

The prime minister said Reko Diq project would prove to be a game changer for the development of Balochistan and the region.

“This project will usher in a new era of development of the province and prosperity of the people,” he added.

He said planning would be made regarding communication infrastructure, especially railway lines, to take full advantage of minerals in Balochistan.

The prime minister asked Barrick Gold to also invest in other mineral projects in the province.

He also proposed that the government and the Barrick Gold could collaborate to establish a technical university in Chagai district of the province.

The government is taking all possible measures to facilitate investors especially in the fields of road and communication systems, he remarked.

Briefing on the progress of Reko Diq project, the Barrick Gold delegation informed the meeting that the Reko Diq project feasibility would be be completed by end of current year.

The prime minister was informed that preference was being given to local and Balochistan domiciled persons to work on Reko Diq project.

Barrick Gold said it had set up three schools near Reko Diq under Corporate Social Responsibility while so far the company had also imparted technical training to 100 people including women.

Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jehanzeb and relevant senior government officials participated in the meeting.