Pakistan's Push To Attract Global Investment Into Minerals Sector

KEY POINTS

Islamabad to host Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 on April 8–9
Rare earths, lithium, copper, gold and strategic minerals to headline offerings
Government deploys diplomatic missions for global investor outreach
Oil and gas blocks to be offered alongside mining projects
Investor confidence rises amid policy reforms and geopolitical recalibration

As Islamabad prepares to host the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) on April 8–9, 2026, the event is being positioned as one of the most consequential global investment platforms for the minerals and energy sectors this year.

Building on the momentum from PMIF25 in April 2025, which drew over 5,000 delegates from more than 40 countries and resulted in 18 memoranda of understanding and agreements with international firms, PMIF26 is expected to be even larger in scale and ambition, promoting even deeper engagement between Pakistan and strategic investors worldwide.

This forum comes at a time when Pakistan is actively reshaping its economic narrative, underscored by renewed international confidence in its investment climate.

Geopolitical developments following the May 2025 military clashes, and the consequent successful Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, which inflicted historic losses on India and contributed to a perception of stability and strategic relevance, a narrative amplified through diplomatic engagement, including high-level recognition from the United States leadership.

Such developments have reinforced Pakistan’s profile as a reliable partner in both security and economic cooperation, positively influencing investor sentiment.

Preparations

Beyond symbolism, PMIF26 reflects a well-coordinated effort to convert Pakistan’s geology into investment and growth.

The federal government, through the Special Investment Facilitation Council, has prioritised mineral and energy development as a central part of its economic recovery strategy.

Regulatory simplification, faster licensing, and investor protection mechanisms are now central to the pitch being made to global capital.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik has personally mobilised Pakistan’s diplomatic missions to ensure maximum international participation.

Addressing ambassadors and high commissioners, the minister urged aggressive marketing and direct investor engagement, directing envoys to actively court mining majors, sovereign funds, and energy companies across key capitals.

He told envoys that Pakistan was no longer merely offering raw potential but bankable projects supported by policy continuity, institutional backing and security assurances.

The diplomatic corps has since been tasked with identifying targeted investors for copper, lithium, rare earths, hydrocarbons and downstream processing ventures ahead of the forum.

Pakistan’s priority minerals

Pakistan hosts more than 90 known minerals across vast, under-explored terrains. Mining still contributes a small share to GDP, which policymakers describe as the sector’s greatest opportunity.

PMIF26 is expected to focus investor attention on a defined list of priority minerals.

Copper remains the flagship asset. The Reko Diq project alone ranks among the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, with multibillion-dollar production potential over several decades.

Gold reserves at Reko Diq and Saindak offer scale and longevity, with planned expansion tied to modern extraction and processing facilities.

Lithium has emerged as a new attraction. Preliminary surveys in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have identified promising zones, positioning Pakistan on the radar of battery and energy-storage supply chains.

Rare earth elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, are being positioned as strategic offerings for clean energy technologies, defence manufacturing and high-tech industries.

Chromite deposits in Balochistan continue to attract interest for stainless steel and allied production industry.

Antimony, a critical mineral used in flame retardants and alloys, has also gained attention following recent export consignments and growing global demand.

Coal, gypsum, limestone, and industrial minerals remain available for the power generation, cement and construction industries.

Gemstones, including emeralds and peridot, are being offered under structured value-addition and export frameworks.

Energy sector offerings

Alongside minerals, Pakistan will offer fresh onshore and offshore oil and gas blocks under competitive bidding rounds.

The government is presenting unexplored sedimentary basins with improved seismic data, revised pricing incentives and fast-track approvals.

Joint ventures with state-owned enterprises such as OGDCL and Pakistan Petroleum Limited are being encouraged.

Officials say investors will be able to explore integrated opportunities linking to mining, power generation, refining and logistics, particularly in resource-rich but underdeveloped regions.

Anticipated investment pledges

Although final figures will emerge closer to the forum, officials expect announcements covering exploration licences, joint development agreements, processing facilities and infrastructure financing.

Development finance institutions and multilateral lenders are also likely to signal support for large-scale projects, including Reko Diq and rare-earth exploration zones.

The government believes PMIF26 can unlock multi-billion-dollar commitments over the medium term, even if initial agreements focus on phased investments and feasibility work.

The Asian Development Bank had already approved a $410 million package to support the development of Reko Diq, signalling multilateral financial support for Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s first shipment of rare earths and critical minerals to the United States, part of a $500 million engagement agreement, highlights the global reach of these resources, and such trade frameworks could expand after PMIF26.

Renewed confidence and strategic context

Investor confidence has strengthened since mid-2025, as Pakistan has combined economic diplomacy with a firm security posture.

Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, launched in response to Indian hostilities, was widely noted as a full-spectrum military response for its operational discipline and strategic restraint.

Pakistani officials observe that the episode reshaped global perceptions of risk and stability.

US President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s regional relevance and its role in security and economic cooperation.

Officials believe this recognition, coupled with expanding engagement on energy and critical minerals, has helped reposition Pakistan within global investment conversations.

As global competition intensifies for secure mineral supply chains, Pakistan is presenting itself as a long-term partner rather than a short-term extraction site.

PMIF26 is therefore not just an exhibition. It is a statement of intent. Pakistan is seeking capital, technology, and partnerships to convert buried wealth into sustainable growth, exports and jobs, and it wants investors to see that the window is now open.

INVESTOR BRIEFING | PAKISTAN MINERALS & ENERGY OFFERINGS — PMIF 2026

Forum: Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26)

Dates: April 8–9, 2026

Location: Pakistan

Estimated Resource Base

More than 90 identified minerals
Estimated untapped mineral value exceeds $6 trillion
Mining contributes less than 3 per cent to GDP, indicating large upside

Priority Minerals on Offer

Copper: Reko Diq ranks among the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits
Gold: Long-life reserves at Reko Diq and Saindak
Lithium: Identified zones in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rare Earth Elements: Neodymium, praseodymium and allied critical minerals
Antimony: Strategic metal with rising export demand
Chromite: Stainless steel input from Balochistan
Coal and industrial minerals: Gypsum, limestone, marble
Gemstones: Emeralds, peridot and value-added gemstone clusters

Energy Sector Opportunities

New onshore and offshore oil and gas blocks
Improved seismic data and revised pricing incentives
Joint ventures with OGDCL and Pakistan Petroleum Limited
Integrated mining-energy-power projects encouraged

Policy and Investor Facilitation

National Minerals Harmonisation Framework in force
Streamlined licensing and dispute resolution
Single-window facilitation through SIFC
Long-term leases and repatriation of profits allowed

Expected Outcomes at PMIF26

Exploration and development agreements
Joint ventures in mining and processing
Refining and value-addition projects
Multilateral and private financing announcements

Strategic Context

Improved investor confidence after May 2025 regional tensions
Operation Bunyanun Marsoos highlighted Pakistan’s stability and deterrence posture
Renewed international engagement on energy and critical minerals