Reko Diq Project Pledges Sustainable Development and Local Empowerment in Chagai

Nokkundi:Reko Diq Mining Company’s Human Resources (HR) Manager, Mr. Hanno Steeden, emphasized that the Reko Diq project is a catalyst for sustainable development, employment opportunities, and community prosperity in the region. Addressing journalists from Nokkundi and Taftan during a briefing at the Reko Diq site, he said that the top priority of the project is the empowerment and inclusion of the local community.

The visit began with a tour of Indus Hospital and Hunar Foundation, established under the collaboration of Reko Diq Company and Community Development Committee (CDC). Community Investment Officer Mehboob Ali Sanjrani and Communication Officers Ali Raza Rind and Naseebullah Bareach briefed journalists on health and vocational training initiatives.

Journalists later visited a primary school and Basic Health Center in Hamei, where free quality education and healthcare services are provided to local residents. Community Engagement Lead Ali Dost Baloch also showcased the RO water plant, which supplies 6,000 liters of clean drinking water daily via pipelines, significantly reducing waterborne diseases in the area.

Also present at the briefing were Communication Manager Samia Ali Shah, Community Engagement Manager Ali Dost Baloch, Community Lead Noor Khan Mengal, Senior Geologist Habib-ur-Rehman Kabdani, HR Lead Inayat Kabdani, Environment Officer Tanzila Khan, and Procurement Officer Hafeez Baloch.

It was shared that the project is a partnership between Barrick Gold Corporation (50%), Government of Pakistan (25%), and Government of Balochistan (25%). A 5% royalty from the project is allocated to the Balochistan government and Chagai district. Despite being in its early stages, the project has already created 7,500 jobs and is expected to generate over 25,000 employment opportunities upon full launch.

Under CSR funding, the company has spent \$6.8 million in water, health, and education sectors. Establishments include Indus Hospital in Nokkundi, Hamei Basic Health Center, Hunar Foundation Institute, and seven primary schools in the surrounding areas. Fourteen students have received scholarships to prestigious institutions, and two higher secondary schools in Nokkundi will soon offer education from nursery to intermediate levels.

Moreover, 27 engineers are being trained under the International Graduate Development Program, and new scholarship programs for local students are in development. RO plants have been installed in Hamei, Nok Chah, Durbin Chah, and Mashki Chah, and mobile health units are serving remote areas. So far, local vendors have received contracts worth \$7 million, while Balochistan-wide vendors have secured \$14.5 million in projects.

Journalists raised concerns regarding the lack of local hiring, transparency in shortlisting, and alleged favoritism toward non-locals through third-party hiring. Mr. Steeden clarified that hiring is merit-based, with domicile, education, and experience considered. He encouraged complainants to approach the HR department directly.

In response to concerns about third-party bias and neglect of local transporters, the HR Manager stated that strict instructions have been given to contractors to prioritize local workers and vehicles, with punitive actions promised in case of violations.

When asked about organizing a vendor expo similar to Karachi’s, Communication Manager Samia Ali Shah said such an initiative is planned for the upcoming phases.

Mr. Steeden concluded by reaffirming that the HR team is primarily based at the Reko Diq site, and all major decisions are made in consultation with the on-site team.