UK-backed initiative to strengthen Pakistan mining, minerals sector

ISLAMABAD: A new UK-supported initiative seeks to strengthen Pakistan’s geological data capacity and unlock potential in its minerals and mining industry

The initiative is being delivered under the UK-funded REMIT programme in partnership with International Geoscience Services (IGS), a UK-based consultancy with extensive experience supporting geological survey organisations worldwide.

Running from April to July 2026, the programme will focus on enhancing the technical capabilities of the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) through hands-on training aligned with international standards.

The training will cover digital geological surveying, geochemical sampling, airborne geophysics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), establishing an end-to-end digital survey process from fieldwork and laboratory analysis to GIS interpretation and final geological mapping.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said: “Pakistan has extraordinary geological potential, but realising it depends on reliable data gathered through modern methods. Through this partnership, the UK is supporting Pakistan in building the skills, systems and credibility needed to attract responsible investment and unlock long-term economic potential.”

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said: “I thank the British High Commission for its support. At a time of global uncertainty, strengthening the Geological Survey of Pakistan is vital to reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and attracting investment in the minerals sector.”

The partnership is expected to equip the GSP with the tools and expertise required to independently design and conduct future national surveys in line with global, investor-facing standards.

The launch event was held at the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories in Islamabad and attended by senior government officials, including GSP Director General Adnan Alam Awan.