ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said on Tuesday that Reqo Diq is a turning point not only in mining sector of Pakistan but also in the development of Balochistan.
Musadik made the remarks during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon and a delegation of Barrick Gold Corporation, led by its president and CEO Mark Bristow.
The minister appreciated the steps taken for indigenization and skills development with 70% local empolyment. He expressed high hopes in the leadership of Barrick Gold for upholding the highest standards of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Musadik highlighted the importance of Canadian technology for Pakistan and the opportunity to benefit from the expertise in exploring shale.
Barrick Gold to continue working for region’s development
For his part, Bristow expressed his corporation’s resolve to continue dialogue regarding infrastructural development in the region, including upgradation of railway.
Cooperation for capacity building with PMDC and GSP was also discussed in the meeting.
Barrick Gold is already employing the drill of GSP for exploring geothermal energy.
