The President and Chief Executive Mark Bristow from Barrick Gold Corporation, a mining company that produces gold and copper, states with the updated possibility study on the giant Reko Diq copper-gold project making quick advances, the company is aiming to commence production in 2028.
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Speaking at the inaugural session of Pakistan’s first Minerals Summit, Bristow stated that the signing of the New Reko Diq agreement last year was considered a landmark event in the growth of the mining industry in Pakistan, a process that will be expedited by the Minerals Summit.
I hope the momentum created by this event will be sustained by successive efforts to unlock this sector’s full potential and build its capacity by attracting other foreign investors to follow Barrick, to the lasting benefit of Pakistan and its people.
Mark Bristow, President and Chief Executive, Barrick Gold Corporation
Bristow added, “There is a growing demand for metals and minerals, especially copper, and the challenge for mining companies and their host governments is to ensure that these resources are extracted in a responsible and equitable manner. Barrick believes in the principle of mutual advantage and shares the value its operations create with all stakeholders, including its host countries and communities.”
Bristow highlighted that Reko Diq was the latest manifestation of Barrick’s collaboration model, which has already been applied successfully elsewhere in its global portfolio. Barrick has 50% of Reko Diq and is developing and will function the mine. The Balochistan province, which hosts the deposit, consists of a 25% share and the federal government holds the other 25% via state-owned entities.