Barrick Gold makes rapid progress in the Reko Diq Copper-Gold project, with a large number of workers on site and the current infrastructure developments, said a senior manager Geo News In an exclusive interview.
To suppliers of Reko Diq Roadshow, Geo News Marted with Martin Henuse, a senior executive of the mining giant, to discuss the progress of the project, the local impact and the long -term vision. Below you will find their conversation:
Question: How do progress take place so far?
Henuse: It moves incredibly quickly. Currently, we have nearly 1,000 employees on site at Reko Diq. We have moved massive amounts of land, built housing, obtained a water supply and started building roads. Everything is on the right track.
Question: Barrick has a community investment heritage. What is he doing here?
Henuse: Our strategy has always been to invest in local communities. Here we have already built schools and hospitals. The growth that you will see as we evolve will be exponential. The proof? Visit Reko Diq – You will see the first -hand impact.
Question: Critics said that this project would exclude the inhabitants. How do you make sure Pakistani participation?
Henuse: Our supply chain strategy favors local engagement. Each international entrepreneur with whom we work must establish operations in Pakistan, hire and train residents and associate with national companies. It is not only to speak – it is in our contracts.
Question: The first phase is an investment of $ 6 billion. What is the status?
Henuse: We have already bought major equipment, guaranteed approvals and finalize funding. At the end of the year, we will be at full speed.
Question: What about local suppliers and employment?
Henuse: We hired all the available workers in the community. When we asked the village’s eldest of more trainees, he said: “You have already taken all our people!” It is success. Local entrepreneurs are already on site and we are developing.
Question: the equipment and technology used – How is it advanced?
Henuse: It’s not just a gold mine; It is enormous compared to typical operations. We bring 360 tonnes, advanced technologies and the establishment of training facilities for Upskill workers, from the driving of light vehicles to massive machines.
Question: Will the training extend to suppliers or simply to Barrick staff?
Henuse: suppliers must also transfer skills. At the start, they will bring foreign experts, but we oblige location. Globally, our mines are 95 to 100% of staff locally. Pakistan will not be different.
Question: to what extent are you confident to achieve the first production target of 2028?
Henuse: This is not our first rodeo. We have high-level subcontractors, international expertise and a proven team. The execution is essential and we are on the right track.
Question: What is the expected exit from phase 1 compared to phase 2?
Henuse: phase 1: 260,000 tonnes of copper per year (40 trucks / day).
Phase 2: 400,000 tonnes (60 trucks / day). All are transported by the improved rail at Port Qasim.
Question: Will raw materials be treated locally?
Henuse: Not at the beginning. A foundry needs three Reko Diq projects to be viable. We will export the raw concentrate for refining.
Question: Despite the negative press, how do you see the potential of Pakistan?
Henuse: This is my 40th trip here. I have not done any problems for problems – only good people and progress. We are committed to strengthening confidence. Barrick believes in Pakistan, and this project will prove it.
With billions of income, thousands of jobs and transformative infrastructure, Reko Diq should redefine the economic future of Pakistan – and Barrick is everything to get there.