Reko Diq Mining Company Completes Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report for Sustainable Development

Quetta, Balochistan:The **Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC)** has completed the **Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)** report for its **Reko Diq project**, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices. This comprehensive document has been submitted to government authorities for review and approval, ensuring that RDMC’s operations meet global environmental and social standards.

Over a span of two and a half years, a team of independent experts, in consultation with local communities, environmental organizations, and government stakeholders, completed the social and environmental assessment. The report evaluates potential environmental and social impacts, including air and water quality, biodiversity, and the well-being of local populations. It also outlines mitigation strategies integrated into the project design.

**Ashley Price**, ESIA Manager at Reko Diq Mining Company, stated, “We are fully committed to the sustainable development of our project, and the completion of this ESIA is a major milestone in ensuring the environmental responsibility of our operations and the benefits for the relevant communities. The findings from these studies will guide us in implementing solutions that enhance the positive impacts of the project and reduce any potential negative effects.”

The ESIA report complies with the legal requirements of the **Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012** and the **Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014**, as well as the environmental and social performance standards of the **International Finance Corporation (IFC)** (2012), **World Bank Group (WBG)** environmental, health, and safety guidelines, the **Equator Principles (EPs)**, and the **Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM)**.

Throughout the development of this report, RDMC engaged in ongoing consultations with local communities and other key stakeholders to ensure their concerns were incorporated. The report is currently undergoing review by government regulators in **Balochistan** and **Sindh**, as well as by an independent international company.

In line with its operator **Barrick’s** policy, RDMC is committed to the responsible use of natural resources, while striving to generate maximum benefits for local communities through the creation of employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and environmental protection.

**Reko Diq** is a world-class copper-gold mine located in the **Chagai district** of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects globally. Barrick holds a 50% ownership stake, while 25% is owned by three federal state-owned entities and the remaining 25% is shared by the **Balochistan Government** (15% fully funded and 10% free carried).

Feasibility studies for the project are expected to be completed by **2024**, with production targeted to begin by **2028**. The project will operate as an open-pit truck and shovel mine for at least 40 years, with an annual processing capacity of 90 million tons. This project is expected to positively impact the local and national economies, creating jobs, promoting regional economic growth, and investing in social development programs. Barrick’s policy of prioritizing local employment and suppliers will also have a positive effect on the local economy in the Chagai district.