Islamabad Hosts Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum to Showcase Vast Resources
Key Takeaways:
i) Pakistan is actively promoting its mineral resources to attract foreign investment.
ii) The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 is a key event for showcasing investment opportunities in the country’s mining sector.
iii) The government is launching the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 to streamline regulations and attract investors.
Islamabad, Pakistan – April 8, 2025 – Pakistan is actively seeking foreign investment in its vast mineral resources, showcased at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) held in Islamabad from April 8-9. The two-day forum aims to highlight Pakistan’s significant mineral potential and encourage both local and international investors to tap into the country’s abundant natural resources, estimated to be worth trillions of dollars.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to value addition, stating that the country will prioritize the export of finished and semi-finished products rather than raw materials. He also stressed the importance of technology transfer in any agreements and invited entrepreneurs to form joint ventures to train Pakistani youth.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position to become a global mining hub, driven by its rich geological resources. He noted the presence of substantial reserves, including the Reko Diq mine, and vast resources of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, non-metallic minerals, and gemstones.
The forum has attracted participation from numerous countries and organizations, including Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, the US State Department, the US Exim Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event focuses on attracting investment in Pakistan’s mineral-rich areas, spanning approximately 600,000 square kilometers. A key initiative at the forum is the official launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 by the federal government, designed to streamline policies and attract investment in the mineral sector.
The National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 aims to standardize mining regulations across provinces to create a more investor-friendly environment.
Pakistan possesses a diverse range of mineral resources. Balochistan, in particular, holds significant reserves, including copper and gold at the Reko Diq mine. The Reko Diq project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold mines, is expected to significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economy. The mine is estimated to have a life of at least 38 years. Other notable minerals found in Pakistan include coal, iron ore, chromite, mineral salt, and various gemstones.
The National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 aims to standardize mining regulations across provinces to create a more investor-friendly environment. This framework includes tax incentives, faster licensing procedures, and a clear dispute resolution mechanism.
