Pakistan is moving forward with a giant mine project in Balochistan called Reko Diq.
This project is expected to be a major game-changer for the country’s economy. Here’s a breakdown of the recent developments:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of safety for the workers who will be involved in this big gold and copper mining project. He also stressed consulting with everyone involved in the project to ensure smooth progress.
The government is planning significant upgrades to transportation infrastructure to support the Reko Diq project. This includes building new railway lines to connect the mines directly to Gwadar port, which would be much faster and cheaper compared to using the existing port at Bin Qasim. Additionally, the road network linking the project to Gwadar is being improved. These upgrades will benefit not only the Reko Diq project but also the entire mineral-rich Chaghi district and the mining industry as a whole.
The meeting discussed the project’s timeline. The feasibility study, which analyzes whether the project is practical and profitable, is expected to be completed by the end of this year (2024). The company estimates that by 2028, the mine will be up and running, producing and transporting vast quantities of copper and gold concentrate every month. An interesting detail is that the pipeline used to transport this material will be the second-longest of its kind in the world!
Overall, the Reko Diq project has the potential to significantly boost Pakistan’s economy, and the government is taking steps to address security, stakeholder concerns, and infrastructure needs to ensure its success.