June 25, 2025 — Pakistan's mining future just got a major upgrade. In a landmark move that blends cutting-edge technology with regional development, Barrick Gold Corporation and global mining equipment leader Komatsu have signed a $440 million agreement to deliver next-generation mining machinery to the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan.
This isn’t just a corporate handshake. It’s a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s untapped mineral wealth, a direct investment in its industrial capacity, and a bold signal to the global mining world: Pakistan is open for business — and it means business.
🚀 What’s the Deal All About?
Starting in 2026, Komatsu will begin delivering world-class, high-performance mining machines to Reko Diq — one of the largest and most promising undeveloped copper-gold deposits on the planet.
But that’s not all. Komatsu is going local with the creation of a new subsidiary:
Komatsu Pakistan Mining (SMC-Private) Limited — a dedicated service hub that will support everything from equipment maintenance to workforce training right on the ground in Balochistan.
Here’s a quick look at the high-tech fleet coming Pakistan’s way:
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Komatsu 980E-5 Ultra-Class Haul Trucks
Massive, electric-drive trucks built in Peoria, Illinois. Known for incredible fuel efficiency, long life, and toughness in harsh conditions. -
P&H 4100XPC Electric Rope Shovels
These beasts from Milwaukee deliver massive payloads with electric precision — perfect for heavy-duty digging at Reko Diq. -
Komatsu PC7000-11 Mining Excavators
German-built excavators engineered for precision, productivity, and smart performance analytics. -
Komatsu WE2350-2 Wheel Loaders
The world’s largest wheel loader, shipped from Texas, capable of fast cycle times and heavy lifting with energy-saving electric power.
🇵🇰 What This Means for Pakistan
This is more than just machinery — it's momentum.
The $440M deal comes with local economic benefits baked in:
✅ Jobs for engineers, mechanics, and operators
✅ Transfer of advanced mining tech and skills
✅ A direct push for infrastructure and logistics in Balochistan
✅ Enhanced investor trust and global visibility
With the Reko Diq mine expected to be operational by 2028, this equipment partnership ensures that Pakistan’s mining future is smarter, faster, and greener.
💬 What the Leaders Are Saying
Mark Bristow, President & CEO of Barrick, called the partnership with Komatsu “an essential pillar” in making Reko Diq a world-class operation:
“Komatsu’s equipment has proven itself at our mines worldwide. Their commitment to Pakistan gives us confidence we’ll have the tools and support we need to build something great — not just for Barrick, but for Pakistan.”
Peter Salditt, President of Komatsu’s Mining Division, echoed the excitement:
“This is a milestone for us — not only in terms of business but in building local capabilities and contributing to Pakistan’s industrial growth.”
🌍 A Global Partnership with Local Impact
The partnership builds on previous successful collaborations between Barrick and Komatsu in Zambia and the United States. But this marks Komatsu’s first major mining equipment entry into the Middle East and South Asia, and they’re going all in with boots on the ground in Pakistan.
From the desert mines of Balochistan to the tech labs of Germany and the U.S., this deal connects continents — and brings 21st-century mining innovation straight to Pakistan’s doorstep.
🛠️ Why This Matters
The Reko Diq project could be a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, generating billions in export revenue, creating local jobs, and opening doors for sustainable industrial growth. With Komatsu’s advanced equipment, Barrick will be positioned to operate more efficiently, reduce environmental impact, and deliver value for decades to come.
In a world hungry for copper — the lifeblood of clean energy and electric vehicles — Reko Diq is Pakistan’s moment to shine.
Want to follow the journey as Reko Diq becomes a global mining hub?
Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and on-the-ground impact stories.
🔗 Learn more about Komatsu’s mining solutions: www.komatsu.com
📍 Explore the future of copper-gold mining in Pakistan.
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| Reko Diq copper-gold project |
🌍 The Future of Copper-Gold Mining in Pakistan: A Deep Dive
From untapped potential to global investment, Pakistan’s emergence as a major player in copper-gold mining is gaining momentum, led by the transformative Reko Diq project. This analysis explores scale, challenges, opportunities, and long-term implications.
1. Introduction: Why Copper-Gold Mining Matters
Copper and gold aren’t just treasury reserves—they’re critical for energy transition, electronic vehicles, renewables, and digital infrastructure. Global copper demand is expected to double by 2035, driven by clean energy initiatives
Located in Balochistan, Reko Diq ranks among the world’s top undeveloped copper-gold reserves, with the project estimated to generate over $70–$74 billion free cashflow across 37 years . Its announcement has triggered major interest from global investors, positioning Pakistan as a vital frontier in global mining supply chains.
2. Massive Scale: Reserves, Finance & Production
💰 Reserve Estimates
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Ore deposits: ~5.9 billion tonnes grading ~0.41% copper and 0.22 g/t gold
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Economically mineable: ~2.2 billion tonnes, sustaining two phased operations
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Annual targets:
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Phase 1 (2028): ~240,000 t copper, ~300,000 oz gold
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Phase 2 (by 2034): up to 400,000 t copper, 500,000 oz gold annually samaa.tv
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🏗 Scaling Up
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Capex: Phase 1
($3–3.5 billion) -
Feasibility and finance: Financed via IFC, ADB, Ex-Im Bank US, Japan, Canada, plus equity financing
3. Key Stakeholders & Funding Dynamics
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Operators: Barrick Gold (50%) + Pakistan federal & Balochistan govt (25%) + SOEs like OGDCL, PPL, GHPL (25%)
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Financiers: IFC ($300m + $700m), Export-Import Bank US ($500m–1bn), ADB, JBIC, Export Development Canada, Saudi Manara
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Global backing: U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia, China have shown interest
4. Infrastructure and Technology Investments
⚙️ Modern Mining Tech
Reko Diq will deploy:
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Autonomous haulage vehicles
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IoT-powered real-time monitoring
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High-pressure grinding rolls for energy efficiency (~15%)
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Smart analytics and data-driven operational efficiency
🛠 Infrastructure Projects
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Road, water, and power supply systems
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New rail link to Karachi's Port Qasim (bypassing Gwadar)
🏭 No local smelter planned
Poor infrastructure means copper concentrate will be exported to China or elsewhere .
5. Economic & Social Impact
Job Creation
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~7,500 jobs during construction
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~4,000 permanent roles once operational
Local Capacity & Skill Building
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Collaboration with Pakistani universities
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Technical training centre near the mine
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Goal: 90% local workforce within 10 years
Community Investment
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Projects in health, education, and infrastructure
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Early payments like $3m to Balochistan for social programs
6. Political, Security, and Regulatory Challenges
🔒 Security in Balochistan
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Ongoing threats from BLA separatists targeting foreign workers
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Pakistan military pledges full investor protection
⚖️ Legal History
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Historical arbitration involving BHP/Tethyan cancelled leases and $6bn verdict
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Renewed agreement in 2022 settled disputes
🏛 Governance Hurdles
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Need strong mining laws, transparent regulations, and smoother approvals
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Institutional reform recommended—Pakistan could learn from Chile’s model
7. Environmental Sustainability & Compliance
🌱 Green Measures
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Solar-powered operations planned—world’s first greenfield solar-run mine
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ESIA completed, including stakeholder engagement in late 2024
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Water sourcing from deep saline aquifers, minimal freshwater impact
8. Regional & Global Context
🌐 Global Mineral Strategy
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Copper’s role in EVs, renewable energy, and green tech makes it strategic
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Western nations diversify supply chains away from China—Pakistan is a key emerging source
📈 Economic Diplomacy
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Pakistan uses mining deals for tariff relief with the U.S.
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Reko Diq featured in forums aimed at resetting trade relations and attracting FDI reuters.com
9. Risks & Uncertainties
High-Risk From Delay
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Operational delays and security threats remain real risks
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Teeming capital requirements (~$8.6bn plus infrastructure)
Political and Policy Risks
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Shifts in government or policy could slow progress
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Local backlash may arise if benefits aren’t felt equitably
10. Future Outlook & Strategic Roadmap
| Short-Term (2025–2028) | Mid-Term (2028–2034) | Long-Term (2034+) |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of infrastructure & EPCM by Fluor | Ramp-up, tech optimization & workforce localization | Expansion (Phase 3), value-added processing |
| First production by 2028 goal | Local mining school in Balochistan & rural development | Extend mine life beyond 40 years via exploration |
| ESG and solar power integration | Deepening global partnerships & exports | Diversify into lithium, zinc, and other minerals |
✅ Conclusion: Pakistan’s Golden Opportunity
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Reko Diq is not merely a mine—it’s a catalyst for economic transformation, region-wide stability, and global strategic positioning.
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The project aligns with global demand for copper-gold, institutional reform, and local empowerment—provided security and governance are managed well.
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If Pakistani stakeholders sustain this momentum—with transparency, stability, and sustainability—the future of copper-gold mining in Pakistan could set a new benchmark for emerging economies.
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