News Desk:Â
Nokkundi, Chagai District, Balochistan, 14 February 2025: Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) has refuted misinformation circulating on local social media regarding its employment and contractor policies, stating that such claims are misleading and do not reflect the reality of its operations.
According to RDMC, 78% of its workforce comprises employees from Balochistan, with over 50% hailing from the Chagai district. The company emphasized that no major mining project in Balochistan has achieved this level of local employment. RDMC is actively training local talent in collaboration with the Hunar Foundation, equipping young Baloch men and women with skills in IT, electrical work, carpentry, pipefitting, and masonry. Graduates have secured jobs with RDMC and its contractors. Additionally, the company’s International Graduate Program (IGP) has sponsored Baloch graduates, including those from Chagai, to gain experience at Barrick’s global operations, preparing them for senior roles in the future.
RDMC acknowledged the region’s industrial limitations, stating that not all roles can be filled locally due to skill shortages. However, it is working to bridge this gap while maintaining world-class standards. The company estimates that 7,500 jobs will be created during peak construction, with 4,000 long-term positions available once operations begin.
Addressing privacy concerns, RDMC stated that it would not comment on specific employees but warned against spreading false information, which could jeopardize employee safety. As a company 50% owned by the governments of Balochistan and Pakistan, RDMC will take legal action against misinformation that threatens its workforce or operations.
On procurement, RDMC highlighted its commitment to sourcing from local suppliers, awarding contracts worth PKR 2 billion (USD 7.2 million) to Chagai-based businesses and PKR 4.1 billion (USD 14.5 million) to suppliers across Balochistan in the past two years. The company is investing in programs to upskill local businesses to meet the quality standards required for a world-class mining operation.
