QUETTA: Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) organised an expo for local vendors on Friday.

The expo attracted the vendors from across the country, especially those working within RDMC’s project area in the Chagai district. More than 150 companies were represented at the event which facilitated networking between the RDMC management and local vendors.

The representatives of companies involved in construction, quarrying, general supply and mineral sectors, along with other areas of business, took part in the event.

Speaking at the event, Martin Heunes, who leads the supply chain team for Reko Diq, said: “This expo is a conscious step we have taken to ensure the creation of an inclusive business, engaging suitably qualified vendors who understand and share our values and seek to work with us as we develop a world class Reko Diq copper-gold mine in Chagai.”

The expo aimed to provide the vendors an opportunity to present their business models and meet other large-scale companies. It also created an opportunity for the companies from Balochistan as well as larger national companies to register their interest in participating in the Reko Diq project construction.

RDMC, a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation operating in Pakistan under a joint venture agreement with the federal and Balochistan governments, focuses on developing and building relationship with local companies keeping in view their capability and market competitiveness.

RDMC’s supply chain team initiated this exercise in 2023, inviting interested vendors to submit their details.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2024