Reko Diq Mining Company Clarifies Misleading Claims on Employment and Local Development

Chagai, February 15, 2025* – Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) has addressed the recent misleading information circulating on social media about its employees and contractors. The company emphasized that such claims are false and do not reflect the actual performance of Reko Diq operations.

The company proudly stated that 78% of its current workforce is from Balochistan, with over 50% of the employees hailing from the Chagai district. Reko Diq highlighted that no other major mining project in Balochistan has matched the level of local employment provided by Reko Diq. RDMC has been working proactively to promote local skills and provide training in various fields to enable the local population to access employment opportunities not just in RDMC but across the wider workforce in the province and country.

In partnership with the Hunar Foundation, RDMC is offering training to hundreds of local youth, including both men and women, in skills such as IT, pipe fitting, office assistance, electrical work, carpentry, and masonry in the Nokundi area. Graduates from this program have already been employed by RDMC and its contractors.

Furthermore, under RDMC’s International Graduate Development Program (IGDP), launched in 2023, young people from Balochistan, including Chagai, are being given the opportunity to gain work experience in Barrick’s international operations. This initiative aims to equip them with the skills needed for senior and managerial roles in the future.

Reko Diq acknowledged the lack of a large industrial sector in Chagai and Balochistan, which limits the availability of a skilled technical workforce. The company is working diligently to fill this skills gap so that more local workers can be employed while maintaining the high international standards required for a world-class mining operation.

During the peak of the construction phase, 7,500 jobs are expected to be created, and once production begins, the project will generate around 4,000 long-term jobs for the local community. The company also emphasized that due to privacy and security concerns, it cannot comment on the personal information of its employees.

RDMC also responded to false information circulating regarding the company’s operations, emphasizing that such claims could jeopardize the safety of its personnel and operations, which is unacceptable. Given that the project is co-owned by the governments of Balochistan and Pakistan, RDMC reserves the right to take legal action against these misrepresentations, ensuring the safety of its workers remains a top priority.

Regarding procurement, RDMC reiterated its commitment to prioritizing local suppliers, provided they meet the necessary global mining operation standards. Over the past two years (2023-2024), RDMC has awarded contracts worth 2 billion Pakistani Rupees (7.2 million USD) to suppliers in Chagai and 4.1 billion Pakistani Rupees (14.5 million USD) to suppliers across Balochistan.

Given the challenges of finding sufficient high-quality goods and services locally, RDMC has been investing in training programs to enhance the skills of local businesses and contractors. The company continues to implement these principles to foster growth and development in Chagai, Balochistan, and Pakistan.

Reko Diq aims to have a transformative impact on the region, committed to creating employment opportunities, supporting the local economy, and maintaining the highest international standards. The company is working closely with local communities and stakeholders to build a strong and prosperous future for all involved.