Pakistan Eyes $8 Billion in Mineral Exports as Critical Minerals Push Accelerates
Pakistan is pushing to expand its role in the global critical minerals market, with a target of lifting annual Pakistan mineral exports from around $3 billion to $8 billion. According to available estimates, 92 minerals have been discovered across the country, of which 52 are currently being extracted commercially.
Better policies, infrastructure and investment could unlock the sector’s potential, creating room for higher foreign exchange earnings and a stronger position for Pakistan in global mineral supply chains.
Reko Diq leads the charge
The Reko Diq project, described as Pakistan’s largest foreign investment project, is expected to play a central role. Production from its first phase is anticipated by the end of 2028.
Once operational, the project is expected to produce around 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold every year. That output could lift mining production sharply and add meaningful export earnings.
Pakistan has also signed agreements with US-based US Strategic Metals to develop critical minerals. The deal reflects a wider effort to attract international investment and build partnerships in the sector.
A sector worth $8 trillion, contributing under 3 percent of GDP
The country’s mineral reserves are estimated to be worth $8 trillion. Yet mining contributes less than 3 percent of Pakistan’s gross domestic product, a gap that shows how much room the sector has to grow.
The push comes at a time when Pakistan is working to steady its external accounts. The current account deficit widened in the first quarter of FY2027, while the real effective exchange rate of the rupee touched an eight-year high. Higher mineral exports would bring in foreign exchange without depending on remittances or debt. Gold prices have also been climbing, with gold crossing Rs440,000 per tola this week, which adds to the commercial case for developing domestic resources.
Pakistan is not starting from scratch on international mining partnerships either. Earlier coverage by Feature Pakistan tracked a minerals development deal with Turkey’s PMDC and MTAIC in Pishin, part of the same strategy of tying foreign expertise to local deposits.
Investment forum set for November
To promote investment opportunities, the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is scheduled for November 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The event is expected to bring together Pakistani authorities, international investors and industry stakeholders to discuss exploration, investment and the development of the mining sector.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Pakistan want to raise mineral exports?
Pakistan aims to lift annual mineral exports from about $3 billion to $8 billion through improved policies, infrastructure and investment.
How many minerals has Pakistan discovered?
Around 92 minerals have been discovered across the country, and 52 of them are currently being extracted commercially, according to available estimates.
When will Reko Diq start producing?
Production from the first phase of Reko Diq is anticipated by the end of 2028. It is expected to yield about 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold a year.
What is the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026?
It is a two-day event on November 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, bringing together authorities, investors and industry players to discuss mineral exploration and investment.
Source: ProPakistani
