ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector.
The Pakistani minister is leading a delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, the Pakistani petroleum ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The January 13–15 event is expected to draw approximately 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, businesses, multilateral and non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and trade associations from over 160 countries, according to the organisers.
At least 13 public and private companies from Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector are taking part in the event.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in minerals and mining sectors@Official_PetDiv #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/s9PNMwYkQy pic.twitter.com/rRBUjh9RqJ
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 13, 2026
“The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals,’ the statement said.
He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector, assuring that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge base and technical expertise would be made available to support the development of Pakistan’s mineral industry.
He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a major national asset.
Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
He noted that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is pursuing collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey and highlighted the enormous mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, of which Reko Diq represents only a small segment.
He added that fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing present additional promising opportunities for joint ventures.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading player in the global minerals and energy sectors, accelerating investments in green technologies, sustainable mining practices, and international partnerships that are helping shape the future of the mining and minerals industry.
The Pakistani delegation includes senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and leading stakeholders from the mining sector.
Participants include PPL, OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and mineral companies from Balochistan, along with specialized service providers.
Pakistan’s participation in FMF 2026 is being organised by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division).
Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion highlights the country’s rich geological potential, flagship mining projects, and diverse investment opportunities.
Pakistan organised a minerals summit in April 2025, which saw participation from major international companies, including the Canada-based Barrick Gold and officials from the US, Saudi Arabia, China, Türkiye, UK, Azerbaijan and other nations.
