Must protect Reko Diq workers, logistics: PM

Amid the terrorist threat looming large in the restive province of Balochistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered foolproof security of the workers involved in the Reko Diq project as well as smooth logistics from the gold and copper mine to the port.

The premier also sought a detailed briefing next week on the Reko Diq project and Gwadar port road and rail connectivity.

PM Shehbaz issued these instructions while chairing an important huddle in Lahore focusing on the Reko Diq project, located in the Chaghi district of Balochistan.

A delegation of Barrick Gold -- which owns a 50% stake in the mine -- led by its president and CEO Mark Bristow participated in the meeting through a video link.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to engage with all stakeholders involved in the Reko Diq project at an official level, aiming to address any obstacles hindering its progress.

Read more: Reko Diq feasibility nears completion

Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed for immediate planning to enhance communication infrastructure, particularly focusing on the railway lines, to fully leverage Balochistan's mineral wealth.

Emphasizing the urgency, he ordered the expedited upgrade of the road network connecting the Reko Diq project to Gwadar port, stressing the acceleration of construction efforts on new roads wherever applicable.

The premier instructed that a strategy should be chalked out for the feasibility of a road and rail network from the Reko Diq project to Gwadar port.

PM Shehbaz pointed out that a railway line project from Reko Diq project to Gwadar would make access to the port easier and quicker.

He added that in comparison with Bin Qasim port, the distance would also be less if the project was linked with Gwadar.

The premier noted that a new railway line would be beneficial for the mineral-rich Chaghi district, expanding the country’s mining industry.

He also instructed that all hurdles should be removed at the official level for early completion of the environment and social impact assessment in connection with the Reko Diq project.

The participants of the meeting were told that the feasibility of the Reko Diq project would be completed by the end of the current year.

Also read: Reko Diq operator hosts vendor expo

They were further informed that 6,000 containers would be transported from the Reko Diq project to the port every month.

The huddle was also briefed that the concentrate pipeline of the project would be the second-longest slurry one in the world.

It was informed that the mining company would construct the link road from Reko Diq town to National Highway 40.

The completion of the 103-kilometre Nokundi to Mashkel road, which will connect the Reko Diq project to Gwadar port, currently stands at 58%.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Muhammad Jehanzeb and other top officials attended the meeting.