Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mandated comprehensive security measures for the Reko Diq mining project personnel and transportation to Gwadar port. This directive emerged during a Lahore meeting on the Reko Diq project, attended via video link by Barrick Gold’s CEO, Mark Bristow, and other delegates.
Sharif emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultations and removing barriers to the project’s progress. He advocated for developing transportation infrastructure, specifically railway lines, to enhance the utilization of Balochistan’s minerals and expedited road upgrades linking Reko Diq to Gwadar port.
He underscored the acceleration of new road constructions and proposed a strategic plan for a rail and road network from Reko Diq to Gwadar port, highlighting the potential benefits for the Chagai district and the mining sector.
Sharif requested a comprehensive briefing on the Reko Diq connectivity project and called for the swift clearance of official hurdles for the environmental and social impact assessments.
Participants learned the Reko Diq project’s feasibility study is due by December. It forecasts monthly transports of 6,000 containers to the port and the establishment of the world’s second-longest slurry pipeline, along with a link road from Reko Diq to the N-40 National Highway.
Furthermore, the meeting covered the 58% completion of the Nokandi to Mashkhel road, vital for connecting Reko Diq to Gwadar port. The session included Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Planning Commission’s Deputy Chairman Muhammad Jehanzeb, and other senior officials.
