Reko Diq Project Pakistan has entered a decisive new phase in early 2026, transitioning from years of planning and legal complexity into high-intensity construction backed by unprecedented international financing. Located in the Chagai district of Balochistan, the project is now positioned to become one of the world’s top ten copper mines, with far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s economy, exports, and employment.
As global demand for copper and gold accelerates amid the energy transition, Reko Diq is emerging as a strategic asset not only for Pakistan but also for international investors and development partners.
Reko Diq Project Pakistan Financing: $1.25bn US EXIM Approval Unlocks Global Capital
A major breakthrough for the Reko Diq Project Pakistan came in December 2025 with the approval of a large international debt package that significantly reduced project risk and accelerated construction momentum.
The US Export-Import Bank (US EXIM) approved $1.25 billion in financing, a move expected to unlock nearly $2 billion in US-origin mining equipment and services. This financing strengthens Pakistan’s access to advanced mining technology while reinforcing trade ties with the United States.
In parallel, multilateral lenders have stepped in to further de-risk the project. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have jointly committed over $1 billion in loans and credit guarantees, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Adding to investor confidence, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Ma’aden is in advanced negotiations to acquire a 15% equity stake, signaling strong Middle Eastern interest in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Strategic Partnerships Powering the Reko Diq Project Pakistan
To execute a project of this scale, Reko Diq has partnered with globally recognized engineering and mining leaders.
Finland-based Metso Corporation secured a €70 million contract to supply advanced beneficiation and dewatering equipment, including energy-efficient TankCell and Concorde Cell technologies that reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
US engineering giant Fluor Corporation is serving as the lead Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) partner, overseeing design and execution during the construction phase.
For exports, an agreement with Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) ensures efficient handling and shipment of copper and gold concentrates starting in 2028, strengthening Pakistan’s mineral export infrastructure.
Economic Impact of the Reko Diq Project Pakistan
The economic footprint of the Reko Diq Project Pakistan is expected to be transformational over its estimated 37-year mine life.
The project is projected to generate over $70 billion in free cash flow, significantly boosting national revenues. In its very first year of production, Reko Diq is expected to contribute $2.8 billion in exports, equivalent to nearly 10% of Pakistan’s current total export volume.
Employment generation is another major benefit. During the construction phase, the project will create approximately 7,500 jobs in Balochistan, while long-term operations are expected to sustain around 4,000 permanent positions. Internationally, the US EXIM-backed supply chain alone is projected to support 6,000 jobs in the United States, highlighting the project’s global economic reach.
Reko Diq Project Pakistan Timeline and Production Outlook
Construction activity is already underway, with heavy machinery deployed on-site and early works initiated in 2025. The project is targeting first production by late 2028.
In Phase 1, annual output is expected to reach 200,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold. Phase 2, planned from 2034 onward, will double production, placing Reko Diq among the world’s most productive copper-gold mines.
To support logistics, a $390 million railway infrastructure plan approved in September 2025 will connect Rohri to Nokundi through a 1,350-kilometer rail link, eliminating the need for nearly 28,000 truckloads annually and reducing transport costs and emissions.
Ownership Structure of the Reko Diq Project Pakistan
The project operates under a balanced public-private partnership model. Barrick Gold of Canada holds a 50% stake and serves as the operator. The Government of Pakistan owns 25% through state entities OGDCL, PPL, and GHPL, while the Government of Balochistan holds the remaining 25%, including a 10% free-carried interest requiring no capital contribution from the province.
Reko Diq Project Pakistan as a Global Mining Benchmark
The Reko Diq Project Pakistan has evolved from a prolonged legal dispute into a flagship example of international commercial diplomacy and strategic investment. With financial close expected by mid-January 2026, the project is firmly on track to reshape Pakistan’s mining sector, strengthen exports, and unlock sustainable growth for Balochistan.
As global capital, technology, and policy alignment converge, Reko Diq stands as a defining milestone in Pakistan’s economic future.