Barrick Mining, operator of the Reko Diq joint venture (JV), has signed a $440 million agreement with Komatsu for the supply of mining equipment to the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan. The contract, set to begin in 2026, will span the first five years of operations.
Recognised as one of the world’s most significant undeveloped copper-gold deposits, the Reko Diq project is expected to play a major role in Pakistan’s economic development. This landmark deal also represents Komatsu’s first major mining equipment contract within its Middle East territory and underscores the deepening collaboration between the two companies.
Barrick President and CEO Mark Bristow described the agreement as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term vision. “The Reko Diq project represents a long-term investment in our future and that of mining in Pakistan, and our partnership with Komatsu is an important part of that vision,” said Bristow. “Komatsu equipment has proven its performance and reliability at our operations worldwide, and we are confident in their ability to support our goals at Reko Diq.”
The equipment package includes advanced Komatsu models such as the 980E-5 ultra-class haul trucks, P&H 4100XPC AC electric rope shovels, PC7000-11 mining excavators, and WE2350-2 electric wheel loaders—all of which are known for delivering performance under demanding conditions.
To support the Reko Diq operation, Komatsu will establish a new local entity, Komatsu Pakistan Mining (SMC-PRIVATE), tasked with providing technical expertise and service support. Additional investment will also be directed toward Komatsu’s regional headquarters in Dubai, Komatsu Middle East FZE, to strengthen equipment capabilities and infrastructure in the region.
Peter Salditt, President of Komatsu’s Mining Business Division, said the partnership reflects Komatsu’s commitment to supporting world-class mining operations. “Barrick is an important global partner for Komatsu, and we are excited to expand our relationship to support the development of Reko Diq,” said Salditt. “The scale and complexity of this project demand proven, high-performance equipment, and we are confident our machines will meet the challenge.”
This latest agreement builds on the companies’ successful collaboration at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia and the Nevada Gold Mines complex in the United States.
In April, Barrick announced that shareholders in the Reko Diq JV had endorsed an updated feasibility study for the project and conditionally approved the capital investment for phase one development. This approval is contingent on securing up to $3 billion in limited recourse project financing, enabling major construction activities to begin later this year.