Security risks may delay Reko Diq production until 2030
Government and industry sources say a Reko Diq project delay tied to Balochistan security and Middle East tensions could push copper-gold production from 2028 to 2030.
Production at the Reko Diq copper-gold mine could slip two years to 2030, government and industry sources say.
Barrick Mining is reviewing the project and is expected to resume full-scale development by mid-2027 if security improves.
About 700 permanent and 2,000 contractual workers remain employed; some third-party contracts have expired.
Phase 1 capital cost estimates have risen to $5.6bn, with total spending across both phases near $9.1bn.
Industry voices disagree sharply on how much a longer pause would add to project costs.