ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is accelerating its efforts to tap into the country’s massive $8 trillion worth of mineral resources by attracting local and foreign investments. To showcase its rich mineral potential, the government has announced a mineral conference next month.
Key projects include the Reko Diq copper and gold mine in Balochistan’s Chagai district, which is expected to begin operations by 2028. The site, holding some of the world’s largest untapped copper reserves, will generate $74 billion in cash flow over 37 years. It is set to produce $2.8 billion in annual exports, creating thousands of jobs and revitalizing the local economy. Canadian firm Barrick Gold and Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals are investing heavily in this project.
Additionally, the government is offering five mineral projects to the UAE for investment, with potential sites in Chagai, Waziristan, and Gwadar. Other developments include a copper smelter in Gwadar and private sector initiatives like the Siah Dik copper mining project under Chinese collaboration.
Plans are also underway to improve infrastructure, such as rail connectivity between Gwadar and Chagai, and to rewild mining zones for sustainable development.
These ambitious initiatives aim to transform Pakistan’s mining sector into a key contributor to economic growth.
