Finnish firm to invest in Reko Diq, mining sector

Metso to supply modern equipment, train local workforce, expand presence in copper mining

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met a Finnish delegation led by Ambassador Hannu Ripatti, Piia Karhu, President of Minerals at Metso, and Willie Eerola, Honorary Consul General of Pakistan to Finland, to discuss Pakistan's mineral sector and opportunities for investment.

According to an official statement issued on Monday, Malik said Pakistan was moving from primitive mining practices to mechanised, responsible mining. He noted that the government had updated the regulatory framework to make the sector globally competitive. He highlighted Reko Diq as the "torch bearer" of Pakistan's mineral industry and assured full government support for investors.

Piia Karhu praised Pakistan's reforms and said they reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's resolve to uplift the sector. She confirmed Metso's role as a key supplier of equipment and services for the Reko Diq project and announced plans to expand into other projects in Pakistan.

Stating that Metso will also invest in training local talent, she said, "We also plan to train the local human resource, aligning with Pakistan's goals for sustainable development and skill enhancement."

Malik welcomed the commitment, stressing that training a skilled workforce would benefit Pakistan and meet global mining sector demand. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between Pakistani and Finnish companies to unlock mineral resources responsibly with Finnish expertise.

Later, Karhu met Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. She confirmed that Metso would open a corporate office in Pakistan after finalising agreements and legal status. The company plans to create jobs and provide technical training once Reko Diq becomes operational.

Kayani highlighted the importance of railway projects ML-1 and ML-3 for timely completion of Reko Diq, scheduled to begin operations by December 2028. He said feasibility studies were complete, with progress targeted by June 2026 and a groundbreaking ceremony expected the same year.Metso's expansion will focus on copper mining.