Fluor, a US-based engineering and construction company, has confirmed receipt of the final notice to proceed on the Reko Diq copper project in Pakistan from Barrick Mining.
This project, located in Balochistan, will see Fluor as the lead engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) partner.
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Selected in April 2025, Fluor recognised its portion of the contract in the second quarter.
The Reko Diq project will begin construction later this year, with initial production anticipated by 2028. The site will ultimately have a throughput capacity of 90 million tonnes annually.
The construction phase will be executed in two stages and is expected to employ over 7,500 individuals at its peak. Once operational, approximately 3,500 direct long-term jobs will be created.
As one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects globally, it is expected to operate for over 40 years as an open-pit mine, producing high-quality copper-gold concentrate.
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By GlobalDataFluor mining and metals business president Harish Jammula said: “Fluor and Barrick share a strong commitment to delivering large-scale mining projects safely, responsibly and efficiently.
“Reko Diq will be a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy, which is expected to have a transformative impact on Balochistan province. The mine will create jobs, stimulate regional economic growth and support long-term investment in development programmes.”
Fluor will collaborate with Barrick’s Owner’s Team and receive support from engineering consultants such as Knight Piesold, Vecturis, and PRDW. The project will include multiple open-pit mines, processing facilities, and a transportation network.
Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said: “Fluor’s selection as our EPCM partner strengthens our ability to execute the Reko Diq project with the technical rigour, operational discipline and socioenvironmental responsibility that are hallmarks of both companies.
“We look forward to working closely with Fluor to ensure that Reko Diq delivers lasting value to the equity partners, both local and international, as well as the many in-country stakeholders, including the people of Balochistan and Pakistan.”
Reko Diq is located in the Chagai district, near Afghanistan and Iran. Ownership of the project is divided between Barrick (50%), three state-owned enterprises (25%), and the Government of Balochistan (25%), with specific allocations for funding.
