Reko Diq Will Make Pakistan a Top Global Mining Jurisdiction: Barrick Gold CEO

The Reko Diq copper and gold mine will put Pakistan “into the ranks of the top global mining jurisdictions”, Barrick Gold chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Bristow said at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum on Tuesday. Barrick Gold holds a 50 percent stake in the project alongside the federal and Balochistan governments and views the mine as one of the world’s largest untapped copper-gold resources. Speaking at the forum, Barrick Gold’s CEO emphasized that the Reko Diq project is a critical milestone for both the company and Pakistan. The project’s reconstitution was finalized in 2022 under a 50-50 partnership structure. In 2024, a completed feasibility study confirmed reserves of 15 million tons of copper and 26 million ounces of gold. Production at Reko Diq is expected to begin in 2028, initially targeting 240,000 tons of copper and 300,000 ounces of gold annually. The second phase aims to expand output to 400,000 tons of copper and 500,000 ounces of gold per year. The forum is currently host to around 300 participants from countries including Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK. Key sessions will address investment opportunities in major projects like Reko Diq and outline government strategies for mineral sector development.