Reko Diq Project Advancing Community Development in Chagai: Deputy Commissioner Visits Community Investment Initiatives

Reko diq, Chagai District: Deputy Commissioner Chagai, Mr. Jahanzeb Noor Shahwani, visited a number of community development initiatives being implemented by the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) across communities in and around the Reko Diq Project. He was accompanied by RDMC Country Manager Mr. Zarrar Jamali, General Manager Mr. Ryan Mitchell, and Assistant Commissioner Taftan Mr. Naeem Qasim Shahwani.
The Deputy Commissioner was received by RDMC’s Country Manager, Mr. Zarrar Jamali, and General Manager, Mr. Ryan Mitchell, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the Reko Diq Project and the company’s ongoing Community Investment Program. The briefing highlighted RDMC’s commitment to improving the quality of life in local communities through investments in education, healthcare, clean drinking water, skills development, and community infrastructure.
During the visit, the delegation reviewed several key community facilities supported by RDMC, including Indus Hospital, Government Primary School Humai, the school and health center in Mashki Chah, and Government Primary School Nokchah, where construction of a multipurpose community hall is currently underway. The delegation also visited Government Primary Schools in Tung Kachao and Kirtaka and met with local residents and tribal elders at various locations, including Baghicha Camp, to discuss community priorities and ongoing development efforts.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jahanzeb Noor Shahwani appreciated RDMC’s continued investment in community development and its collaborative approach to addressing local priorities. He noted that the Reko Diq Project is improving access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, and essential infrastructure while creating opportunities for local communities. He reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to working with RDMC to strengthen service delivery and advance sustainable development across remote areas of Chagai District.
RDMC Country Manager Mr. Zarrar Jamali reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working in close partnership with local communities and the district administration to deliver sustainable development initiatives that create lasting value. He noted that community investment remains a core pillar of the Reko Diq Project and reflects RDMC’s long-term commitment to supporting the social and economic development of Chagai.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner Chagai also held a Khuli Katcheri with local community members, providing them with an opportunity to raise their concerns directly. He listened to public issues and reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to addressing community needs and resolving local challenges in a timely manner.
The visit underscores the strong collaboration between the district administration and RDMC in advancing sustainable development and improving access to essential services for communities across the Reko Dig area.
###
Endnote
Reko Diq is a world class copper-gold mine in the making located in Chagai district of Balochistan province, in Pakistan. One of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects in the world, Reko Diq is owned 50% by Barrick, 25% by three federal state-owned enterprises, 15% by the Province of Balochistan on a fully funded basis and 10% by the Province of Balochistan on a free carried basis.
Reko Diq is expected to have a life of at least 40 years as a truck-and-shovel open pit operation with processing facilities producing a high-quality copper-gold concentrate. Construction is expected in two phases with a combined process capacity of 90 million tonnes per annum.
Reko Diq will be a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy which is expected to have a transformative impact on the
Balochistan province where, in addition to the economic benefits it will generate, the mine will also create jobs, promote the growth of a regional economy and invest in social development programs. Barrick’s policy of prioritizing local employment and suppliers will have a positive impact on the local population of Chagai district in Balochistan.