Giant Copper Project Starts Taking Shape in Pakistan

At a time when new copper opportunities are rare to non-existent, Barrick is demonstrating the value of its long-term growth strategy and its early decision to expand its copper portfolio by rapidly advancing the Reko Diq project in Pakistan.

Scheduled to deliver its first concentrate before the end of 2028, Reko Diq is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposit. With an estimated life of mine of 40 years, and with exploration targets supporting the potential to double that, Reko Diq will not only elevate Barrick into the front rank of copper producers, but is destined to economically transform the Balochistan province as well as to be a major growth engine for Pakistan.

Feasibility study remains on track

The Reko Diq feasibility study remains on track for completion by the end of this year and, in the meantime, the construction of key enabling infrastructure is underway. Long lead items are being ordered so that work on the processing facility construction can start immediately once the final investment approval is given.

Local recruitment

The workforce on site is growing, and in line with Barrick’s global policy of local recruitment, 77% of direct employees are from Balochistan and 94% are Pakistani nationals. To build capacity as the project grows — by the end of next year it will be employing an estimated 2,500 people — a skills-based technical training center has been established for young people from the area. The first group of 60 men and 80 women has been enrolled as trainees. At Barrick’s Veladero mine in Argentina, nine young Pakistani graduates are being trained for leadership roles at Reko Diq.

Central to the success of the project is the establishment and maintenance of a strong social license to operate and Reko Diq is delivering significant social advancement programs shaped by the community development committees it established. These include the establishment of two local healthcare centers, in partnership with a leading healthcare network, which provide free medical services to the community. All four local villages now have access to potable water and five primary schools have been opened.