Barrick seeks security improvements before full construction of Reko Diq

Barrick Mining has scaled back the pace of work at its Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan and is re-examining its timetable, according to Business Recorder. Chief executive Mark Hill told the Mining Forum Americas that stronger security is required before the company commits to a full construction schedule. No revised timeline was given, and he did not quantify how much the slowdown would affect the project.

The review is taking place as militant activity in Balochistan has risen and counter-terrorism operations have expanded. In 2026 security forces ran over 40,000 intelligence-based operations across the country, with Balochistan hosting more than 31,000 of them. Barrick holds 50%, the provincial administration holds 25%, and state enterprises from Pakistan hold the rest. The first phase started at an estimated $4 billion, then rose to $5.6 billion, while phase two is put at $3.5 billion.

A recent feasibility study revised the expected mine life to 37 years because of higher throughput, though it could be extended to 80 years. At the construction peak, 7,500 people are projected to be employed, and 4,000 long-term roles would be created once production starts. The venture is also estimated to generate about $74 billion in free cash flow across 37 years, using long-term consensus price forecasts.