Reko Diq Project: A Game Changer for Pakistan’s Economy

Introduction

The Reko Diq project in Balochistan’s Chagai district is one of the world’s largest untapped copper-gold deposits. With an estimated mine life of 37 years, this project holds the potential to significantly boost Pakistan’s economy, particularly Balochistan’s. Despite decades of delays due to legal and financial hurdles, the project is now expected to begin production by 2028. Barrick Gold, the mining giant spearheading the project, projects an internal rate of return (IRR) of 21.32%, with expected revenues of $54 billion for Pakistan. However, concerns about transparency, security, and infrastructure still loom over the project’s feasibility and long-term benefits.

Geographical and Geological Significance

Reko Diq is located in the Chagai District, Balochistan, a region rich in mineral resources. The project lies in the Tethyan metallogenic belt, which extends across multiple countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey, making it a prime location for copper and gold mining.

• Mineral Composition: Reko Diq contains an estimated 5.9 billion tonnes of ore with 0.41% copper and 0.22 grams per tonne of gold.
• Climate & Environment: The region’s arid climate poses challenges for water supply, which is crucial for mining operations. Alternative water sources are being explored to address this.

Historical Background

The Reko Diq project has faced multiple ownership changes and legal battles over the past three decades:

• 1993: A joint venture agreement was signed between the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) and the Australian mining company BHP Minerals.
• 2006: Tethyan Copper Company (TCC), a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Antofagasta, acquired rights to the project.
• 2011: The Balochistan government rejected TCC’s mining lease application, leading to international arbitration.
• 2019: Pakistan was ordered to pay $5.9 billion in damages by the World Bank’s arbitration court.
• 2022: A settlement was reached, with Barrick Gold assuming control of the project with a 50% stake, while the remaining 50% is shared between Pakistan’s federal and Balochistan governments.

Feasibility and Financial Aspects

The latest feasibility study conducted by OGDCL has revised the project’s financing cost to $6.8 billion, marking a 58% increase from previous estimates. The key reasons for the cost escalation include:

1. Inflationary pressures on mining equipment and machinery.
2. Enhanced processing capacity, increasing from 45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 90 MTPA by 2034.
3. Changes in the energy mix to power the mining operations.
4. Alternative water supply solutions, given the scarcity of water in Chagai.

Despite these cost increases, Barrick remains committed to the project, with production expected to begin in 2028.

Dawn observes:

As a formal feasibility study confirmed more than $60 billion worth of copper and gold reserves at the Reko Diq project in Balochistan at prevailing prices, three state-owned energy sisters have more than doubled their funding commitment close to $1.9bn.

Three SOEs — Oil and Gas Development Com­pany Ltd (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) and Government Holdings (Pvt) Ltd (GHPL) — had originally committed about $300 million each to the project that has now been increased to $627m each. The trio’s total funding has thus increased to about $1.88bn from about $900m initially planned, informed sources told Dawn.

Economic Prospects and Revenue Generation

The Reko Diq project is poised to deliver significant financial benefits to both Pakistan and Balochistan:

• Projected Cash Flow: The project is expected to generate $90 billion in operating cash flow and $70 billion in free cash flow over its lifetime.
• Revenue Distribution: Pakistan will earn $54 billion in direct revenues, including royalties and taxes.
• Employment Opportunities: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, boosting the local economy.
• Extended Mine Life: With technological upgrades, Barrick Gold believes that the mine’s lifespan can be extended beyond 37 years.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its promising outlook, the Reko Diq project faces several key challenges:

1. Security Risks

Balochistan has long been plagued by insurgency and security issues. Ensuring the safety of foreign and local workers is a major challenge. Barrick Gold has sought assurances from the Pakistani government regarding security arrangements.

2. Transparency in Revenue Sharing

There are concerns about how the generated revenue will be distributed and whether the people of Balochistan will truly benefit. Many experts emphasize the need for strict oversight and transparency to prevent corruption and mismanagement.

3. Processing and Export of Raw Minerals

A major concern is that Reko Diq’s copper and gold will be exported in raw form, rather than being refined in Pakistan. The Balochistan government previously planned to establish a refinery, but the World Bank arbitration settlement prevented this. Local stakeholders believe refining should take place in Pakistan to maximize economic benefits.

4. Water Scarcity

Mining operations require a significant amount of water, and Reko Diq is located in an arid region. Barrick Gold is exploring alternative water sources, including desalination and groundwater extraction, but these solutions come with high costs.

Conclusion: A Transformational Project with Conditions

The Reko Diq project represents a once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity for Pakistan, offering billions in revenue and a chance to develop a world-class mining industry. However, for the project to be truly beneficial:

1. Security challenges must be addressed to ensure uninterrupted operations.
2. Revenue distribution must be transparent, ensuring that Balochistan benefits proportionally.
3. Investment in local processing facilities should be reconsidered to maximize value addition.
4. Water management solutions must be sustainable to prevent environmental damage.

If these conditions are met, Reko Diq could be the turning point for Pakistan’s economy, setting a precedent for future resource management and economic growth.

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