Pakistan’s mineral exploration increasingly focused on strategic resources, minister tells investors

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik told participants at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad that exploration is being redirected towards resources with strategic value to international investors. Dawn reported that the two-day gathering, which began on Thursday, is drawing overseas delegations and showcases deposits including coal, salt, gold and critical minerals.

Malik said geological surveys, drilling and laboratory upgrades are intended to improve mineral assessment, while mapping and digitised records could give investors better information. He cited copper and gold prospects in Chagai and western Balochistan, alongside deposits of other minerals in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and said Pakistan was pursuing copper smelting to retain more processing value domestically. He also pointed to planned rail links and infrastructure, including the Rohri-Nokundi corridor, Port Qasim connections and facilities near Reko Diq, as part of efforts to link resource areas with markets.