Govt plans tax breaks for mining investors under National Mineral Policy: report

Pakistan is weighing a broad package of tax concessions for mining projects, aiming to draw overseas capital into copper and gold deposits valued at $8 trillion, Profit by Pakistan Today reported, citing The Express Tribune. The proposals under the National Mineral Policy 2026 include a 30-year GST exemption on project-related purchases, lower withholding taxes and waived import duties on mining equipment.

Other measures under consideration include replacing corporate income tax with a 1% levy on export receipts plus a 0.5% development surcharge, and exempting projects from super tax for at least 30 years. The package also proposes tax relief on dividends, long-term treatment of exploration losses and accelerated depreciation. Finance Division approval is still required; the incentives are expected to be put before investors at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum on November 12-13.