ISLAMABAD — The delegation from the Barrick Mining Corporation on Friday expressed strong interest in investing in the establishment of mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar. The development came as the delegation, led by Chairman John Thornton, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on X.
According to the PMO, the visiting delegation described the decision by the prime minister and the government to hold a minerals conference as an important step towards mineral development in Pakistan. “The delegation expressed strong interest in investing in the establishment of mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar,” the statement added. It quoted the premier as saying that Pakistan was a country rich in natural resources and mineral wealth.
He said that harnessing these resources to develop the province and improve the prosperity of its people was the government’s top priority. “Major projects such as Reko Diq will create new opportunities for employment, skills development and economic growth for the people of Balochistan,” PM Shehbaz said. Pakistan was committed to putting its vast mineral resources to use and creating new opportunities for global investment, he added.