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Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: To attract American investment into Pakistan’s untapped mineral resources, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the United States Embassy, hosted a high-level webinar titled “Opportunities in Pakistan’s Mining Sector – Unlocking Mineral Potential.”
The virtual event, held at the OGDCL Head Office in Islamabad, was jointly hosted by Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker. It brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Energy, executives from leading Pakistani mineral and energy companies, representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and key stakeholders from the U.S. energy and investment sectors.
In his keynote address, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik underlined the enormous potential of Pakistan’s mining sector. He noted that the country is richly endowed with critical minerals such as gold, copper, coal, rare earth elements, and others essential to the renewable energy transition.
He cited the international significance of the Reko Diq copper-gold project, along with recent discoveries in Chaghi (Balochistan) and Waziristan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global minerals supply chain. “Renewable energy development is central to our climate goals and economic future,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the mining of essential minerals and improving the ease of doing business.
The Minister also highlighted the success of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), which attracted over 5,000 participants and global interest. “PMIF25 marked a turning point, showcasing Pakistan as a serious player in the global minerals economy,” he added.
Minister Malik invited American investors to explore public-private partnerships and joint ventures, stressing that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are personally spearheading efforts to develop the mining sector. He reiterated that the government and SIFC are fully committed to facilitating international companies to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves.
In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed the long-standing economic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan. “Pakistan offers immense opportunities in the minerals sector,” she said. “With one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits at Reko Diq and a strong commitment to economic reforms, now is the right time for U.S. investors to engage.”
She commended Pakistan’s policy reforms aimed at unlocking the sector’s potential and assured continued support from the U.S. Embassy to American businesses exploring opportunities in Pakistan. “We are here to facilitate connections and create win-win partnerships,” she added.
Participants were also briefed on ongoing regulatory reforms, including the upcoming National Minerals Harmonisation Framework that seeks to align federal and provincial regulations and streamline investment processes. The digitalization of geological data and the upgrading of the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) are also underway to improve transparency and access to data for investors.
A dedicated Q&A session allowed American investors to ask questions and gain clarity on various policy and operational aspects.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Baker reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic growth and strengthening bilateral economic ties. “We believe in Pakistan’s potential and see shared opportunity in its journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth,” she said.
The webinar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic position within the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, known for its rich mineral endowments, and outlined promising investment opportunities across the mining value chain.
