Islamabad, In a move to optimize the utilization of Balochistan’s mineral resources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the swift upgrade of the road network to establish a direct link between the Reqo Dik project and Gwadar port. This directive was issued during a meeting focused on the Mines and Minerals of Balochistan, with particular emphasis on the Reqo Dik Project, held in Lahore today. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of enhancing communication infrastructure, including the exploration of a railway line, to fully leverage the province’s mineral potential.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need for early upgradation of the existing road networks and the consideration of a railway network from Reqo Dik to Gwadar to facilitate the transportation of minerals. He highlighted the strategic advantages of connecting Reqo Dik to Gwadar over the existing route to Bin Qasim port, pointing out the potential benefits to the mineral-rich district of Chaghai and the broader mining industry.
The Prime Minister’s instructions also encompassed the safety and security of workers involved in the Reqo Dik project, ensuring that protective measures are in place for those working on and transporting materials from the site. Furthermore, he called for the removal of administrative obstacles to the project and the completion of an Environment and Social Impact Assessment.
The briefing revealed that the feasibility study for the Reqo Dik project is expected to be completed by year-end, with plans to transport 6,000 containers to the port each month via what will be the second-longest slurry pipeline in the world. Additionally, it was noted that 58% of the construction work on a 103 kilometers long road from Naukundi to Mashkhel, crucial for connecting Reqo Dik with Gwadar, has been accomplished.
The meeting saw the participation of a delegation from Barrick Gold Company, including CEO Mark Bristow, indicating the significant international interest in the development and operationalization of the Reqo Dik project.