Reko Diq Booms as Barrick Gold Mobilizes 1,000 Workers, Eyes 2028 Production Milestone

Anas Awan May 29, 2025

Reko Diq Project Enters High Gear as Barrick Gold Reports 1,000 Workers On-Site

In a bold leap toward redefining Pakistan’s mining sector, Barrick Gold has announced rapid progress at the Reko Diq copper-gold project, with nearly 1,000 workers currently active on-site. This development comes as the company accelerates its infrastructure rollout and reaffirms its $6 billion Phase 1 investment commitment in the mineral-rich region of Balochistan.

During the Reko Diq Suppliers Roadshow, Martin Henuse, a senior executive at Barrick Gold, sat down with Geo News to outline the project’s pace, workforce strategy, and transformative potential.

Reko Diq, Barrick Gold

1,000 Workers On-Site: A Landmark Moment for Pakistan's Mining Future

According to Henuse, Barrick Gold’s Reko Diq project is “moving incredibly fast.” With nearly 1,000 employees already deployed, the project has crossed several early milestones:

  • Massive earthwork and excavation

  • On-site worker accommodations

  • Secured long-term water supply

  • Road construction underway

  • Major equipment already purchased

These actions reflect Barrick’s commitment to sticking to its timeline, aiming for first production in 2028.

Local Empowerment Through Jobs and Training

Critics of foreign investment projects often raise concerns about local exclusion. Barrick Gold is flipping the narrative. Henuse stated that:

“We’ve hired every available worker from the community… even village elders say we’ve taken all their people.”

 Key initiatives include:

  • Hiring locals for both skilled and unskilled positions

  • Partnering with domestic businesses

  • Mandating international contractors to operate from within Pakistan

  • Establishing local training centers for upskilling

This strategy aligns with Barrick’s global practice—its international sites are 95–100% locally staffed, and Pakistan will be no exception.

Infrastructure Investment and Technological Edge

The Reko Diq copper-gold project isn’t a standard mining operation. Henuse emphasized that the scale is “enormous” and the technology is cutting-edge:

  • Deployment of 360-ton haul trucks

  • Automated drilling and precision excavation

  • On-site training in advanced machinery

This combination not only enhances productivity but also equips local workers with 21st-century skills.

Phase-Wise Output: A Boost to National Revenue

Production at Reko Diq will occur in two major phases:

  • Phase 1: 260,000 tons of copper annually (40 truckloads/day)

  • Phase 2: 400,000 tons annually (60 trucks/day)

While raw material will initially be exported for smelting, long-term plans could include a local refinery—a move contingent on the development of additional Reko Diq-scale projects.

Local Suppliers: A Pillar of the Supply Chain

Barrick Gold’s supply chain policy is explicitly designed to uplift Pakistan’s industrial base. Foreign contractors are required to:

  • Partner with Pakistani firms

  • Hire local labor

  • Establish local offices

In short, localization is not optional—it’s written into the contracts.

Barrick’s Billion-Dollar Vote of Confidence in Pakistan

Despite global skepticism, Henuse reaffirmed Barrick’s long-term vision for Pakistan:

“This is my 40th trip here… We’ve faced no issues—just good people and real progress.”

This endorsement reflects confidence not just in the Reko Diq mining site, but also in Pakistan’s investment climate and policy environment.

Strategic Importance of Reko Diq for Pakistan

The significance of Reko Diq goes far beyond mining. It represents:

  • Economic transformation through billions in potential revenue

  • Job creation for thousands across various skill levels

  • Infrastructure development including roads, water supply, and energy

  • Strategic alignment with regional initiatives like CPEC

This copper-gold project could become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s resource-driven economic revival.

Conclusion: Pakistan’s Reko Diq Future Looks Golden

With 1,000 workers on-site, billions invested, and world-class mining tech in place, Barrick Gold is well on track to reshape the narrative around foreign investment and natural resource utilization in Pakistan.

This isn’t just about copper or gold—it’s about national self-reliance, global positioning, and sustainable development.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Reko Diq project?
Reko Diq is a large-scale copper and gold mining project in Balochistan, Pakistan, being developed by Barrick Gold.

2. Who is funding the Reko Diq project?
Barrick Gold is leading the investment, with Phase 1 expected to cost $6 billion.

3. How many workers are currently involved in Reko Diq?
As of May 2025, nearly 1,000 workers are already on-site.

4. When will Reko Diq begin production?
The first production is targeted for 2028.

5. Is the Reko Diq project benefiting local communities?
Yes, through employment, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and training programs.

6. What is the annual output expected from Reko Diq?
Phase 1 will produce 260,000 tons of copper annually, increasing to 400,000 tons in Phase 2.

7. Will the mined materials be processed in Pakistan?
Initially, raw materials will be exported for processing, but local smelting could be possible in future phases.

8. How is Barrick ensuring local participation?
By mandating local hiring, supplier training, and partnerships with Pakistani businesses.

9. What makes Reko Diq different from other mining projects?
Its scale, advanced technology, and Barrick’s transparent local engagement strategy.

10. Is Reko Diq part of CPEC?
While not formally a CPEC project, its infrastructure development complements broader CPEC goals.

📚 Sources:

Anas Awan

Posted by Anas Awan

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