LAHORE: PM Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized appropriate planning regarding the communication infrastructure, especially the railway line, to take full advantage of minerals in Balochistan.
Chairing a meeting on Mines and Minerals of Balochistan with special context to Reko Diq Copper-Gold Project here on Sunday (24th March, 2024), he instructed the up-gradation of the existing road network at the earliest to connect the Reko Dik project with Gwadar by road.
The participants of the meeting were told the mining company would construct a link road from Reko Diq to National Highway-40.
The meeting was briefed that fifty eight percent construction work on 103-kilometer-long road from Naukundi to Mashkhel had been completed to connect Reqo Dik with Gwadar.
Shehbaz Sharif advised to consult all stakeholders at the official level as well as to remove obstacles apropos the Project.
Regarding the protection and safety of the workers associated with the Reko Diq Copper-Gold Project, the Prime Minister said security would be ensured for those working on the project.
PM asked to evolve a strategy regarding the feasibility of a railway network from Reko Diq to Gwadar Port ensuring easy and swift access.
The premier maintained that the mineral-rich district of Chagai would benefit a lot from the new railway line reducing distance as compared to Bin Qasim Port.
The Prime Minister, on the occasion, also sought a detailed briefing next week on Reko Diq and Rail Connectivity.
He also directed to remove all the hindrances at the official level to complete the Environment and Social Impact Assessment regarding the Reko Diq project.
Shehbaz Sharif was told that feasibility of Reko Diq project would be completed by the end of this year and 6,000 containers would be transported to the port every month from Reko Diq.
The meeting was informed that the concentrate pipeline of the project would be the second longest slurry pipeline in the world.
Among others, a delegation of Barrick Gold Company led by its Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow attended the meeting.
Newspakistan.tv/Radio Pakistan