Mari Minerals, Ivanhoe Mines sign agreement to explore copper, gold in Chagai

At the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum on November 12, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik witnessed Mari Minerals and Ivanhoe Mines formalize cooperation to assess copper and gold prospects in Balochistan’s Chagai district. Mettis Global reported that the companies intend to evaluate the area and consider options for developing its resources. The signing comes as Islamabad seeks overseas capital and wider commercial ties for mining.

The minister also held discussions with representatives of Barrick Mining Corporation, Weir, Trafigura and Çalık Holding, as well as an Ivanhoe Mines delegation. Weir chief executive Andrew Neilson said the company was interested in taking on further Pakistani mining work in addition to its Reko Diq involvement. Trafigura’s Ibrahim El Gazzar cited interest in the Zinc-Barite project and potential activity in LPG, bonded storage and refining; Barrick chairman John Thornton also reaffirmed the company’s engagement with Pakistan.