Part 1: Barrick and Komatsu Sign $440M Deal to Power Sustainable Mining in Pakistan
Barrick Mining Corporation (Barrick), operator of the Reko Diq Mining Joint Venture in Pakistan, has finalized a $440 million agreement with Komatsu for the delivery of primary mining equipment beginning in 2026. This landmark deal marks Komatsu’s first major equipment placement in the Middle East, reflecting a growing partnership aimed at developing one of the world’s largest untapped copper-gold reserves.
Komatsu plans to establish Komatsu Pakistan Mining Limited, a dedicated entity to support Reko Diq operations, and will bolster its Dubai-based regional headquarters, Komatsu Middle East FZE, to ensure efficient equipment support. These strategic moves aim to strengthen infrastructure and service delivery at the greenfield site.
The equipment package includes:
- 980E-5 Ultra-Class Haul Trucks (Peoria, Illinois)
- P&H 4100XPC AC Electric Rope Shovels (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
- PC7000-11 Mining Excavators (Dusseldorf, Germany)
- WE2350-2 Electric Wheel Loaders (Longview, Texas)
Barrick CEO Mark Bristow commented, “The Reko Diq project is a long-term investment in the future of mining in Pakistan. Our partnership with Komatsu plays a key role in realizing that vision.”
Komatsu’s Mining Division President Peter Salditt added, “The scale and complexity of Reko Diq demands proven, high-performance equipment. We’re confident our machines will deliver productivity and innovation.”
This collaboration builds on earlier joint efforts at Barrick’s Lumwana mine (Zambia) and Nevada Gold Mines (USA), and follows a global framework agreement signed in 2023, positioning both companies for deeper cooperation.
Part 2: Cities Join Forces to Tackle Urban Construction Emissions – London Leads by Example
During London Climate Action Week 2025, the Swedish Embassy, Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) convened policy makers, air quality advocates, and industry leaders to address the urgent need to transition to zero-emission construction equipment.
In London, an estimated 5,000 diesel compact excavators emit the same pollutants as over 100,000 diesel cars, yet they remain outside Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) restrictions. This is particularly concerning given that only 17% of global cities meet WHO air quality guidelines and air pollution is linked to over 8 million premature deaths annually.
Key Messages from the Roundtable:
- Electric construction equipment, such as Volvo’s ECR25 Electric excavator, delivers zero tailpipe emissions, reduced noise, and less vibration — making them ideal for dense urban settings.
- A 12-week pilot trial in Redcliffe Gardens, involving Transport for London (TfL) and FM Conway, saw three electric machines eliminate almost 8kg of NOx and NMHC emissions — equivalent to a diesel car driving 63,000 km.
- Though compact machines represent only one-third of construction equipment, they account for over 50% of the sector’s NOx emissions, due to lack of filtration regulations.
Leaders Speak:
Thomas Bitter, Head of Compact Business Unit at Volvo CE:
“Ignoring construction equipment in low-emission policies is a missed health opportunity. We must collaborate across the value chain to speed up the shift to zero-emission construction.”
Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor of London:
“Clean air is a matter of social justice. By 2040, all construction equipment in London must be zero-emission. Collaboration like this accelerates progress toward that goal.”
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE, Ella Roberta Foundation:
“Air pollution is a public health emergency. Meeting WHO standards is only the beginning.”
Conclusion:
From remote mining fields in Pakistan to the bustling streets of London, a global transformation is underway. Industry giants like Komatsu and Volvo CE are teaming up with governments and city planners to usher in an era of cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable heavy machinery operations. With bold commitments, cross-sector partnerships, and accelerated policy backing, the future of urban and industrial development is not just efficient — it’s emission-free.
