Pakistan’s mining sector is finally emerging from decades of dormancy. Fresh investments, new regulatory frameworks, and large-scale projects are starting to reshape the landscape. This blog unpacks the latest developments, offers strategic context, and highlights how international buyers and stakeholders can leverage the momentum.
1. The Game-Changer: Reko Diq Development Accelerates
- Major financing unlocked: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $410 million packagecomprising a $300 million loan and a $110 million credit guarantee to kick-start the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan ReutersFinancial Times.
- Scale and economic potential: As one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, Reko Diq is projected to generate an astounding $74 billion in free cash flow over 37 years. Initial output is expected at 200,000 tons of copper annually from 2028, doubling to 400,000 tons with further expansion Reuters.
- Infrastructure synergy: ADB is also investing $2 billion to upgrade the Karachi–Rohri railway corridor — a vital route for exporting minerals from Reko Diq Reuters.
- Strategic partnerships in play: Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals is negotiating to acquire a 10–20% stake(potentially up to $1 billion) in Reko Diq, enhancing the project's geopolitical financing structure Financial Times.
2. Policy Reform & Global Investment Drive
- Unified governance through reform: The government has crafted the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 to streamline provincial and federal licensing, improve mining oversight, and incentivize investment. This was officially launched at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, attracting global players from China, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and beyond Geo NewsThe Nation+1.
- Policy promotion on global stages: At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Pakistan showcased these reforms, bolstering its image as a forward-looking, responsible mining investment destination PID.
- Processing leap ahead: A $150 million mineral processing complex in Punjab has been inaugurated to reduce import dependency and bolster value-added exports — especially focusing on rock salt and critical chemicals Arab News.
3. Export Trends and Market Momentum
- Copper exports holding strong: In H1 2025, copper and its derivatives remained the top mineral exports from Pakistan to China—totaling over $482 million, despite slight price-driven dips The Nation.
- Sector momentum indicators: Minerals exports are surging, with over $3 billion recorded in January alone. Key successes include Himalayan pink salt, gypsum, chromite, and refined copper, as documented in recent trade data Shah Mercantile Co..
Why These Trends Matter to Importers and Investors
| Insight | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|
| Reko Diq’s ramp-up | Access to one of the largest copper-gold sources globally |
| Policy reform & forums | Streamlined investment channels and regulatory clarity |
| Infrastructure upgrades | Faster, more reliable export logistics from mining hubs |
| Processing capacity | Availability of value-added mineral products, not just raw ores |
Ready to Partner with Pakistan’s Mineral Upswing?
If you're a buyer, investor, or industrial offtaker, Shah Mercantile Co. is positioned to connect you with Pakistan’s minerals sector as it enters a new growth trajectory. We provide:
- Transparent sourcing and verified production data
- Strategic insight into export logistics and infrastructure
- Connection to premier mineral outputs like copper, gypsum, salt, and more
Reach out today to discuss collaboration, offtake agreements, and how to integrate Pakistan’s mineral boom into your global supply chain.