ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) has concluded in Islamabad with the signing of 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistani and international companies, highlighting growing investment interest in the country’s mineral sector.
One of the major announcements came from the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), which reported an estimated 350 million tonnes of copper in the Dasht-e-Kain area of Balochistan’s Chagai district, based on around half of its drilling data analysed so far.
Mari Minerals also announced the discovery of its first-ever gold and copper reserves in Balochistan. Meanwhile, National Resources Limited (NRL) reported copper and gold mineralisation across at least eight porphyry discoveries in Chagai following nearly 25,000 metres of drilling. The company also announced a $100 million investment commitment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
In his closing remarks, PMIF President and OGDC Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak said the forum had brought together thousands of investors, diplomats, industry leaders and technical experts to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral resources.
The event featured 13 technical sessions, panels and roundtables, along with eight strategic discussions. Key developments included the launch of the National Minerals Database and Data Centre Portal and the Geological Survey of Pakistan GeoPortal to improve access to geological information and support investment decisions.
The 13 signed agreements covered geoscientific cooperation, mining project development, mineral exploration, airborne geophysical surveys, advanced exploration technologies and the establishment of a commercial minerals laboratory.
Lak also highlighted discussions on attracting investment, developing mining projects, strengthening technical expertise, creating a skilled workforce and increasing women’s participation in the minerals industry.
He said the success of PMIF26 would ultimately depend on turning signed agreements into operational projects and actual investments. OGDC has also launched a national capability development programme in collaboration with Wood Mackenzie to strengthen skills, institutions and standards in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
The forum’s second day included discussions on developing investor-ready mining jurisdictions, policy certainty, regional cooperation and long-term industrial growth. International industry leaders, including Barrick Mining Corporation Chairman John L. Thornton, Ivanhoe Mines Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and Minmetals Central & South Asia Vice-President Wang Jicheng, also addressed the event.
Lak invited international participants to return for the next edition of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled for November 2027.
