Pakistan’s Balochistan province harbors significant mineral resources, including copper and gold, sparking interest from political and military leaders eyeing substantial investment opportunities. Following notable discoveries in Reko Diq and Saindak, fresh claims of mineral findings in Chagai have surfaced, with National Resources Limited (NRL) reporting new reserves of gold and copper in the region.
At the recent ‘Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025’, NRL unveiled signs of minerals in Chagai’s ‘Tang Ghor’ area, attracting attention from international experts and potential investors. Concurrently, Mari Energies announced new gas and oil reserves in North Waziristan, marking the fourth discovery in the region, with promising daily production figures.
The two-day conference witnessed Pakistani and Turkish state companies forging an agreement for collaborative offshore oil and gas exploration, aiming to tap into previously unexplored resources due to administrative and security challenges. Despite past unmet promises, the government reiterated its commitment to leveraging these resources for economic growth.
The ‘Minerals Conference’ in Islamabad drew participants from over twenty countries, highlighting Pakistan’s mineral sector as a trillion-dollar industry with strategic, energy, industrial minerals, and precious stones playing pivotal roles in various sectors. Balochistan, termed as ‘Pakistan’s mineral center,’ boasts rich resources, with historical discoveries in Reko Diq and Saindak now being revitalized under new agreements.
The revival efforts led by Canadian company Barrick Gold in Reko Diq, with Saudi company Manara Minerals also expressing interest, hold the potential to significantly boost Pakistan’s copper production to meet global demands. Balochistan’s diverse mineral landscape, including chromite, lithium, and rare earth minerals, underscores its critical role in the country’s future development.
Moreover, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s emergence as a hub for precious stones like emeralds adds to Pakistan’s mineral wealth, with mining activities set to commence. However, controversies surrounding new legislation in the province have sparked concerns among political factions, underscoring the challenges in harnessing Pakistan’s mineral potential.
Despite past setbacks and skepticism, the concerted efforts to unlock Pakistan’s mineral resources reflect a strategic shift towards leveraging these assets for economic prosperity, positioning the country as a key player in the global mineral market.