News Desk:
The Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) — operated by Barrick Gold Corporation — hosted a delegation from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) to explore new opportunities for local business participation, economic growth, and sustainable mining development in Balochistan. The delegation, led by QCCI President Muhammad Ayub and Vice President Nasir Khan, included prominent business leaders from across the province.
Welcoming the visitors, RDMC Country Manager Zarrar Jamali shared an overview of the Reko Diq project’s scale, significance, and transformative potential for Pakistan’s mining industry. He emphasized RDMC’s commitment to developing an inclusive, transparent, and competitive supply chain that actively integrates local businesses from Balochistan into the project’s long-term operations.
Jamali said, “Reko Diq represents a historic opportunity for Balochistan and Pakistan. Our focus is to ensure that the people of Balochistan, especially local entrepreneurs and suppliers, become key beneficiaries of this world-class copper-gold project.”
Expressing appreciation for RDMC’s inclusive approach, QCCI President Muhammad Ayub stated, “We are here to represent Balochistan’s business community and to strengthen cooperation with RDMC. Through mutual partnership, we can drive shared prosperity and empower local industries. Given Balochistan’s limited industrial base compared to major cities like Karachi or Lahore, RDMC’s local procurement policies can play a pivotal role in bridging the economic gap.”
QCCI Vice President Nasir Khan commended Barrick’s social development initiatives and praised RDMC’s community engagement model, describing it as “an example of responsible corporate behavior that promotes both business and community progress.”
During the session, Clemens Engelbrecht, RDMC’s Head of Supply Chain & Commercial, emphasized that supporting local businesses in a sustainable, ethical, and compliant manner is at the core of Barrick Gold’s global philosophy. He said, “As Reko Diq evolves into Pakistan’s largest copper and gold mine, RDMC remains dedicated to partnering with capable local vendors who meet international standards of quality, safety, and transparency. This will not only build supply chain capacity in Balochistan but also ensure long-term, inclusive growth.”
Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) operates under a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corporation, the Government of Pakistan, and the Government of Balochistan, making it one of the most strategically significant projects in the country. The company continues to set benchmarks in responsible mining, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and local economic empowerment.
