Reko Diq project-unfolded truth

Reko Diq project is no more transparent according to our officials recent statements. It is targeting our national interest in all its manifestations therefore needs severe consideration soon.Gold and Copper Mine Reko Diq in Balochistan is believed to be the World’s Largest gold and copper mine and largest undeveloped copper resources on the globe that is Pakistan’s strategic asset having some 12.3 million tons of copper and 20.9 million ounces of gold right now. Reko Diq project held jointly among Government of Balochistan (25%), Antofagasta Minerals (37.5%) and Barrick Gold (37.5%) is no more translucent. This natural resource of Pakistan is going through consistent negligence resulting in violation to national interest as National Engineering and Scientific Commission Chairman Dr Samar Mubarak Mand told that project was not just about gold, but also about copper, which is much cheaper, but which is much more used in all sorts of activity. He told about Reko Diq mines lease case that Pakistan can earn billions of dollars if it itself mines the Reko Diq gold and copper mines for which Pakistan has much sufficient resources and mining knowledge that can well mange with refining and mining project ahead.if the country sells the raw mineral reserves it will get 40 billion dollars in 30 years while if they were to do the refining in Pakistan the income from the project will be seven to eight times of this figure whereas some experts estimate the value of the Reko Diq reserves in excess of 500 billion dollars that is generously a huge amount to take Pakistan out of its battling crisis.Though petitions are already presented before the Supreme Court yet more thoughtful decision about Reko Diq project is required that may not harm national interest in turn and will take Pakistan to the roads of progress – Lubna Khalil