DESPITE its hydra-headed challenges, Balochistan remains at the forefront of Pakistan`s mineral push; the multibillion-dollar copper and gold project at Reko Diq remains active and on track. Both domestic and international stakeholders maintain that the mine will achieve commercial production in 2028 as scheduled.
Relevant officials and executives declined to comment on the record regarding concerns over the project`s progress, citing the sensitive security environment in Balochistan, the complexity of the ownership structure and financial arrangement and the extensive procedural clearances required before taking a public position.
However, given the project`s strategic importance for Pakistan, particularly for Balochistan`s development, and its potential signalling effect for foreign investors, they agreed to discuss the issues privately.
The mine operator, Canadian major Barrick Gold, which ho
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