QUETTA: Balochistan’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Mir Ali Mardan Domki, has underscored the crucial role of natural reserves in the province’s development and economic self-sufficiency and expressed the provincial government’s openness to foreign investment.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Mark Bristow, the president and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, who arrived for a week-long visit to discuss the progress of the Reko Diq copper-cum-gold project.

The CM extended a warm welcome to Mr Bristow, expressing confidence in the company’s investments and contributions to the economic and social sectors.

“Balochistan is unquestionably a province rich in mineral resources. The natural reserves in Balochistan are of critical importance for the province’s development and economic self-sufficiency,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Bristow arrived at the project site to review its progress and engage with stakeholders living in and around the area. Reko Diq, set to go into production in 2028, hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits.

During his visit, Mr Bristow and his team met with representatives from the Par-i-Koh and Nokundi community development committees, which consist of tribal members, village elders, women, and youth groups.

They also visited the primary school in Humai village and inspected the community medical centre, both funded by Reko Diq. At the development site, Mr Bristow engaged with project employees, primarily recruited from the local area in line with Barrick’s policy.

Approximately 75 per cent of permanent employees are from Balochistan, with most coming from the Chagai district nearby.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2023