The Reko Diq Copper Project is set to significantly impact Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly 1% to the country’s GDP each year. Supported by a $700 million financing package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank, this project represents Pakistan’s largest mining investment. Dr. Tauqir Shah, a senior advisor to the prime minister, highlighted that the IFC’s involvement—including a $300 million direct loan and $400 million in blended finance—signals renewed global confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential.
The Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC), a joint venture between Canada’s Barrick Gold (50%), Pakistani state-owned enterprises (25%), and the Balochistan government (25%), will develop one of the world’s largest untapped copper reserves. With a projected 40-year mine life, the project is expected to produce 200,000–250,000 tonnes of copper annually, catering to rising global demand driven by clean energy and infrastructure growth.
The project will generate up to $2 billion annually in foreign exchange, create 10,000 jobs during construction, and sustain 3,000 direct jobs during operations. RDMC has already invested $2.5 million in local infrastructure, education, healthcare, and food security, while pledging 1% of construction costs and 0.4% of annual revenue for community development. Additionally, the company is prioritizing inclusive hiring, with special programs to increase female workforce participation.
With supporting infrastructure in power, water, and transport underway, Reko Diq could pave the way for further mineral exploration in Balochistan. Official sources say the project, backed by international investors and strict environmental safeguards, could serve as a blueprint for responsible resource development in Pakistan. However, challenges remain, including upgrading railways from Reko Diq to Karachi and constructing a new route to Gwadar Port to facilitate exports.