Barrick Gold Approval for Reko Diq in Pakistan
π Location: Chagai, Balochistan
π° Investment: $3 Billion (Pending closure)
π― Target Production: 2028
π§ Construction Start: 2025
π οΈ Project Snapshot:
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Project: Reko Diq Copper-Gold Mine
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Operator: Barrick Gold Corporation
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Status: Project Plan Approved
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Resource Base: One of the worldβs largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits
π Ownership Structure:
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Barrick Gold Corp: 50%
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Govt. of Pakistan & Govt. of Balochistan: 50% (Jointly)
π Strategic & Economic Significance:
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Massive Foreign Investment: $3B package set to initiate development
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Job Creation: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs expected in Balochistan
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Local Development: Infrastructure boost in a remote and underdeveloped region
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Revenue Sharing: Inclusive ownership ensures provincial and federal revenue flows
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Benchmark Project: Potential model for future large-scale mining investments
π Geopolitical Impact:
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Border Proximity: Near Afghanistan and Iran, adding strategic depth
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International Attention: Potential to attract global mining and infrastructure investors
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Regional Stability: Economic uplift in border region may contribute to long-term stability.