KARACHI:
Pakistan, home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation that mastered copper and bronze thousands of years ago, is now looking to reclaim its place in the mining world. At the Natural Resources & Energy Summit 2025, industry leaders called on local investors to partner with international firms to unlock the country’s vast, largely untapped mineral reserves while ensuring Pakistan is not left vulnerable to predatory practices.
Shamsuddin A. Shaikh, CEO of National Resources Limited (NRL), said the country’s mining revenues could leap from the current $2 billion to as much as $6–8 billion by 2030 if the sector is developed responsibly. “Pakistani industrialists and entrepreneurs must step forward,” he urged. “Foreign capital and expertise are important, but we cannot afford to leave everything to outsiders. Mining is not too big for us. Our ancestors were refining copper 5,000 years ago in Mohenjo-Daro—why should we think we can’t do it today?”
Despite sitting on one of the world’s richest mineral belts, Pakistan’s mining sector contributes just 0.15% to global mineral output and a mere 2–3% to the GDP. According to Shaikh, nearly 90% of the country’s 92 known minerals remain unexplored. “If we fail to move now, others will step in,” he warned, stressing the importance of joint ventures that not only generate revenue but also create local jobs and expertise.
He cited projects such as Reko Diq, which could yield $4–5 billion annually, alongside Siah Diq, Thar coal expansion, and other mineral sites, collectively promising billions more in revenue within the next five years. Beyond 2030, further copper and gold exploration in Balochistan’s Chagai district alone could potentially add another $5–10 billion annually.
But Shaikh emphasized that mining’s value must go beyond financial gains. “This is about building communities, not just extracting minerals. If we want projects to succeed, we must deliver jobs, housing, healthcare, and education to the people living in these neglected regions,” he said.
Other experts echoed his views. Hassan R. Muhammadi, founder of Fidelity Insurance Brokers, described mining and energy as “engines of growth” capable of driving employment, boosting energy security, and strengthening foreign reserves. His colleague, CEO Khurram Ali Khan, highlighted the crucial role of insurance in shielding billion-dollar projects from risks in volatile environments.
Muhammad Sohail Tabba, Chairman of Lucky Cement, underscored the potential of Reko Diq, calling it the “brightest example” of Pakistan’s mineral promise. “Reko Diq alone can generate tens of billions of dollars and thousands of jobs,” he said. “It gives our people the confidence that their future lies here.”
With nearly all major speakers stressing the same message, the summit left one point clear: Pakistan’s mining future hinges on local investors stepping up, building partnerships, and ensuring that the country not outsiders remains the ultimate beneficiary of its mineral wealth.
