At least 53 male and female students from Chagai district have secured fully funded scholarships under the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) Foundation Programme, marking a significant boost for higher education opportunities in Balochistan’s remote border district.
According to RDMC, the selected students qualified through an entry test and will enroll in a six-month Foundation Programme at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur. On successful completion of the programme, students who qualify for undergraduate studies at any recognized university in Pakistan will have all educational expenses borne by RDMC.
Local community members have welcomed the initiative, calling it a positive development for Chagai, where access to higher education has long remained limited. They said the programme would help nurture local talent and contribute to building a more skilled and educated youth population.
Vocational Training and Women’s Inclusion
The scholarship scheme complements RDMC’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the district. Earlier in November, the RDMC Technical Institute completed six-month vocational training programmes, benefitting 278 male and 138 female graduates, reflecting a strong emphasis on women’s participation and community empowerment.
Local Jobs and Skills Development
The Reko Diq Mining Project has also created substantial employment opportunities for locals. RDMC states that around 75% of its permanent workforce is from Balochistan, with 65% belonging to Chagai district. Women currently make up 14% of the workforce, a notable shift in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Under the International Graduate Development Program (IGDP), 18 engineers from 11 districts, including women, have received advanced training in Argentina and Zambia, gaining international exposure and technical expertise.
Investment in Community Uplift
RDMC estimates that the project’s construction phase (2025–2028) will generate 7,500 direct jobs, while operations will provide 3,500 long-term positions. An additional 25,000 indirect jobs are expected through associated services such as logistics, catering, and maintenance.
Since 2022, the company has invested $5.3 million in community development programmes focused on education, technical skills, healthcare, clean drinking water, and youth mentorship. Seven schools established under these initiatives are currently educating over 400 students, while 577 young people have received skills training to improve employability.
More than 114 participants, including women from remote villages such as Humai and Durbin Chah, are undergoing preparation for professional careers, supported by dedicated women’s mentorship programmes—a first-of-its-kind effort in rural Balochistan.
