Pakistan offers US mining ventures

Pakistan has invited US companies to explore the potential of public-private partnerships and joint ventures in the mining sector, which is enriched with vast mineral resources.

"With one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits at Reko Diq and a strong commitment to economic reforms, this is the right time for US investors to explore and engage," US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker stated while addressing a webinar.

The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the US embassy, hosted a high-level webinar titled "Opportunities in Pakistan's Mining Sector – Unlocking Mineral Potential," aimed at promoting investment opportunities and inviting American companies to pump capital into the mineral and mining sector.

The virtual event was hosted together by Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker at the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) head office in Islamabad.

The webinar brought together senior officials from Pakistan's Ministry of Energy, leading Pakistani mineral and energy companies, representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and top US diplomats and energy sector stakeholders. Petroleum Secretary Momin Agha, OGDCL Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak, MDs of Government Holdings Private Limited, Mari Energies, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), DG mines and senior representatives from Ark Metals, BMEC, BMRL and Pakistan Petroleum, along with the US embassy's economic counsellor and energy officer, participated in the event. Various American business representatives took part in the conference virtually.

In his remarks, Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted the vast potential of Pakistan's mining sector. "Pakistan is richly endowed with mineral resources, including gold, copper, coal, rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for renewable energy transition," he said.

The minister noted the international significance of Reko Diq copper and gold project and pointed to recent discoveries in Balochistan's Chaghi district and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Waziristan region.

He emphasised Pakistan's role in global transition towards clean energy, citing the country's abundant reserves of critical minerals as a foundation for its green transition.

"Renewable energy development is central to our climate goals and economic future. We are facilitating this shift by supporting the mining of essential minerals and improving ease of doing business," he stated.

The energy minister acknowledged the success of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), held earlier this year, which attracted over 5,000 participants and brought global attention to the country's mineral wealth.

"PMIF25 marked a turning point, showcasing Pakistan as a serious player in the global minerals economy," he said and invited US companies to explore the potential of public-private partnerships and joint ventures.

Ali Pervaiz Malik stressed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir were personally leading the development of the mining sector. He underscored that the government of Pakistan and the SIFC were fully committed to providing all kinds of facilitation to international companies to build partnerships aimed at unlocking the vast mineral reserves.

The US charge d'affaires reaffirmed the longstanding economic partnership between the United States and Pakistan. "Pakistan offers immense opportunities in the mineral sector," the envoy said.

Baker commended Pakistan's recent policy efforts to unlock the mining sector's potential and underlined the US embassy's commitment to supporting American businesses looking to invest in Pakistan.

"We are here to facilitate connections and create win-win partnerships. US investors have long contributed to Pakistan's development and we see great promise in this sector," she added.

Participants were briefed on ongoing regulatory reforms, including the development of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework aimed at streamlining investment procedures and aligning federal and provincial regulations.

The digitalisation of geological data and upgrading of the Geological Survey of Pakistan were also underway to improve transparency and data access for investors.

The Pakistani side also hosted a Q&A session with American investors to clear ambiguities or address queries.

In her closing remarks, Baker reiterated the US government's commitment to supporting Pakistan's economic development and deepening bilateral economic ties. "We believe in Pakistan's potential and we see a shared opportunity in its journey towards inclusive, sustainable growth," she concluded.