ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving towards becoming a global destination for critical minerals, with 92 minerals discovered in the country and 52 being extracted on a commercial basis, according to an OGDC report.
The report estimates Pakistan’s mineral reserves at $8 trillion. However, the mining sector contributes less than 3 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
With effective policies, Pakistan’s mineral exports are expected to increase from $3 billion to $8 billion, according to the report.
The Reko Diq project is Pakistan’s largest foreign investment project, with the first phase of production expected by the end of 2028.
Reko Diq is expected to produce 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold annually.
Pakistan has also signed agreements with US company US Strategic Metals for the development of critical minerals.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 will introduce international investors to the country’s mineral potential. The forum is scheduled to take place on November 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Back in October 2025, Pakistan successfully secured $3.5 billion in international financing for the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project in Balochistan.
This milestone achievement has been made possible through the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) — a civil-military coordination body established to streamline and accelerate foreign investments in strategic sectors.
The financing agreement involves a consortium of 11 lenders, including six major donor agencies such as the U.S. Export–Import Bank (EXIM), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Financial Institutions (IFIs), the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, and a European bank.
Sources revealed that the deal marks a historic breakthrough for Pakistan’s economy and reflects growing international confidence in the country’s investment.