Pakistan eyes untapped mineral wealth for strategic growth

WEB DESK: Pakistan possesses mineral resources valued in the trillions of dollars, much of which remain untapped, according to an article published in The National Interest. The government is implementing reforms in the mining sector to align policies with global standards, enhance transparency, and attract international partnerships, positioning Pakistan as a strategic hub for key minerals.

Global Investment Drive: PMIF 2026

Through the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026, scheduled in April, the government aims to present Pakistan as a mining-ready economy to global investors. The initiative seeks to highlight the country’s potential in generating revenue, creating jobs, and boosting industrial development through strategic mineral exploitation.

Record-breaking Projects and Economic Potential

The Reko Diq project, home to some of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits with 5.9 billion tons of reserves, exemplifies this potential. Experts note that the project alone could generate billions in revenue and thousands of employment opportunities.

Pakistan’s precious stones sector also holds massive untapped potential, with total reserves estimated at around $45 billion, yet annual exports currently stand at just $5.8 million. To capitalise on this, the government has introduced the first-ever national gemstone policy, focusing on modern certification, value addition, and youth entrepreneurship. The policy sets a target of increasing gemstone exports to $1 billion within five years.

Strategic Minerals and Industrial Growth

Pakistan is also capable of joining global supply chains for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. The mining reforms are expected to facilitate technology transfer, industrial development, and new avenues for innovation. Experts predict that full development of the mineral and gemstone sectors could add $5–7 billion annually to Pakistan’s GDP over the next decade.

Job Creation and International Partnerships

The sector’s growth is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Through these initiatives, Pakistan aims to present itself as a responsible and reliable partner in the global mineral market, fostering economic growth and long-term strategic value.