QUETTA, July 2025 — The Reko Diq copper-gold project is more than a major mining initiative — it represents a multi-generational opportunity for sustainable economic and social uplift in Balochistan, said Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, during his visit to Humai village, the closest community to the project site in District Chagai.
Speaking with local residents, Bristow reaffirmed the Reko Diq Mining Company’s (RDMC) commitment to empowering the people of Balochistan through long-term investments in employment, education, and healthcare.
“We’re not only creating direct jobs at RDMC, but also opening doors through our partner and supplier networks,” said Bristow. “With 75% of our workforce already from Balochistan, we are focused on strengthening local participation through skills training and education programs.”
Bristow also highlighted the project’s healthcare initiatives, including the Mother & Child Health Centre and a health clinic in Humai, offering the region’s first access to quality maternal care and primary health services.
Emphasizing the importance of community collaboration, Bristow said, “True development of this world-class resource is only possible with the active support and involvement of local communities.”
Local leaders including Liaqat Malik, Chief of Humai, and Taj Muhammad, Chairman of the Par-e-Koh Community Development Committee, expressed gratitude for Barrick’s community-centric approach and pledged full support for the project’s continued progress.
Bristow was accompanied by senior RDMC officials including Zarrar Jamali, Ryan Mitchell, Woo Lee, Ashley Price, and Simon Bottoms, underscoring the company’s high-level commitment to inclusive development at Reko Diq.
Story by Mohammad Zafar Baloch
