Riaz Baloch:
Humai, District Chagai— Barrick Gold Corporation CEO Mark Bristow has described the Reko Diq mining project as a long-term opportunity that will bring sustained social and economic growth to Balochistan. Speaking during a visit to Humai village near the Reko Diq site on July 14, Bristow said the project would offer “generational benefits” through job creation, education, and healthcare development.
Mark Bristow emphasized that Reko Diq is not just a mineral extraction venture but a platform for creating local opportunities across multiple sectors. He highlighted that the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) is committed to ensuring active participation from the local population. “Currently, 75% of our workforce comes from Balochistan, most of them from District Chagai,” Bristow said, adding that RDMC has initiated skills training and education programs to further increase local employment.
Bristow also noted RDMC’s contribution to healthcare services, sharing that the company had established a Health Clinic and a Mother & Child Health Center in Humai village. These facilities now provide primary healthcare and specialized maternal care to residents who previously lacked such services.
Addressing community members, Bristow stated, “No large-scale resource development can succeed without the involvement and support of local communities.” He assured residents that their partnership is vital to the project’s future.
During the visit, Chief of Humai village, Liaqat Malik, and Taj Muhammad, Chairman of the Par-e-Koh Community Development Committee, expressed their gratitude for Barrick’s ongoing engagement with the community. Both leaders appreciated RDMC’s role in improving livelihoods in the region and pledged full community support for the Reko Diq project.
Mark Bristow was accompanied by senior RDMC officials, including Country Manager Zarrar Jamali, Site General Manager Ryan Mitchell, Senior Vice President Woo Lee, Head of Sustainability Ashley Price, and Mineral Resource Management Executive Simon Bottoms.
