Barrick Gold CEO calls on Balochistan CM

CEO says company providing employment, education and vocational training to locals

QUETTA:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barrick Gold Company, Mark Bristow, along with his team called on the Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Saturday.

Provincial Minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Kethran and Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Uqailli were also present on the occasion.

Barrick Gold is the company engaged in gold and copper mining in Reko Diq, Balochistan.

The chief minister welcomed Mark Bristow for visiting Balochistan.

“With the arrival and investment of Barrick Gold Company in Balochistan, other investment companies will also increase their presence in the province,” the CM said.

“Along with providing employment, our teams are also working on education and vocational training to the local residents so that to reduce the poverty in the region,” said Mark Bristow while talking to the chief minister.

Our prayers are with the flood victims and we are also helping the flood victims financially to help them restart their lives anew, he added.

Bristow told the participants that their team has been working on the development and feasibility study of the area, and they are also trying to improve communication links for the betterment of the area.

Geothermal energy including wind and solar energy will also be utilized for the project, he maintained.

“Local talent will be given preference in employment and we want to work together with the government of Balochistan on this project," he added.

Chief Minister Balochistan said that provincial government had resolved all the political issues related to the Reko Diq Agreement amicably and this agreement will create employment opportunities for the locals.

“We will work with this company not only as partners but also more than partners,” the CM Balochistan said. The company is welcomed to play its role in various sectors including education and water and skill development of the local youth,” he noted.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2022.