Pakistan: The Next Critical Minerals Destination

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan's mineral sector is moving into a fresh stage as global demand for copper, gold and rare earths rises, opening room for investment. Citing the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan, the report put mineral reserves at around $8 trillion across 600,000 square kilometres. Mining has contributed under 3 percent to GDP, but stronger governance and security could lift annual mineral exports from $3 billion to $8 billion, according to the institute.

Barrick Mining Corporation owns half of Reko Diq, a copper and gold project in Balochistan's Chagai district, while the other half is split between the province and three federal state-owned enterprises. Barrick's updated feasibility study, completed in February 2025, puts total capital investment at $8.83 billion over a 37-year mine life. Phase 1 is estimated to need $5.6 billion to $6.0 billion, with first output expected before 2029 starts.

International lenders have put together financing exceeding $2.6 billion, including $410 million from the Asian Development Bank approved in August 2025. Separately, the US Export-Import Bank approved $1.25 billion in December 2025, a step the US embassy said could open up to $2 billion in exports of US mining equipment and services. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum's 2026 edition, PMIF26, had been planned for April 8 and 9 but now takes place on November 12 and 13, 2026.