Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Barrick Reaffirms Reko Diq Commitment as Pakistan Targets Financing Within Two Weeks

Multilateral lenders are lining up funds as work advances on one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits.

Overview

  • Interim CEO Mark Hill said Barrick remains committed to Reko Diq and is targeting first production in 2028.
  • Pakistani officials and project advisers say financial close is expected within two weeks for roughly $3.5 billion, with documentation underway and a ceremony planned in January.
  • Lenders including the International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank are organizing a financing package exceeding $2.6 billion to support the project.
  • Media reports of a potential Barrick asset split that could involve Reko Diq remain unconfirmed, and the company has publicly countered sale speculation.
  • The $7 billion joint venture in Balochistan faces persistent security risks and requires railway upgrades to move copper concentrate to Karachi for processing.