Quetta, 16 January 2023 (TDI): Barrick Gold Corporation of Canada has officially begun work on the Reko Diq project in Baluchistan. The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mark Bristow announced on Sunday.
Mark Bristow announced the establishment of a project office in Quetta during a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat Baluchistan.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Baluchistan, Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo & Baluchistan Assembly Acting Speaker, Sardar Babar Musakhel.
Also read: Pakistan, Barrick Gold Corporation reach agreement on Reko Diq
Additionally, an opposition Leader Malik Sikander Khan also participated to show compliance with the recent developments in Baluchistan. Several cabinet members attended the ceremony.
Highlights of the ceremony
The ceremony’s goal was to highlight the people of Baluchistan’s ownership and partnership. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and CEO Barrick Gold Mark Bristow signed documents authorizing the company to pay $3 million to Baluchistan as part of the agreement.
Baluchistan’s government will receive the funds this month. According to the agreement, the company will begin paying royalties to Baluchistan in March of this year, along with the social and economic development of the company area.
Remarks by Barrick Gold Corporation’s CEO
Addressing the ceremony, Mark Bristow extended thanks to Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, and Assembly members for the warm welcome.
In this vein, he said, “We are encouraged that this evening and this meeting are historical as we begin work on the project at the beginning of the New Year.”
According to the CEO, Barrick Gold Corporation has opened a project office in Quetta. “Because this is a joint venture, a team of experts has been selected, and we are also representing local experts in our team.” He highlighted.
Also read: Barrick Gold to invest $7 Billion in Pakistan
Mark stated that the company will prioritize establishing a cordial and trusting relationship with the community and their welfare.
Remarks by Baluchistan’s Chief Minister
Mir Bizenjo, the Chief Minister of Baluchistan, also addressed the audience. He claimed that the presence of opposition members at the ceremony demonstrated that the government and the opposition are on the same page about the project.
“We have arrived at this point after overcoming challenges such as legislation, gaining the trust of the political leadership, and removing impediments to signing the historic agreement.” The Chief Minister explained.
He said that after a contentious legislative process that was difficult, the project’s implementation would soon start. Bizenjo concluded that the project would be beneficial to both Baluchistan and Pakistan.
