Pakistan, Turkey sign deal to explore gold, copper and antimony in Balochistan
Pakistan and Turkey have signed a Pakistan Turkey minerals deal to jointly explore and develop mineral resources in Balochistan. The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and Turkey’s MTA International Company signed a term sheet in Islamabad on October 16, 2026.
The agreement covers Exploration Licence EL-318, spanning 498.82 square kilometres in Pishin, Balochistan. It covers antimony, copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and other minerals. The project will involve mineral exploration, mining, processing and marketing.
What the Pakistan Turkey minerals deal covers
Under the proposed arrangement, PMDC, MTAIC and a designated entity of the Balochistan government will establish a joint venture company in Pakistan. MTAIC will serve as the operator, providing exploration technology and international expertise. Exploration activities will follow international JORC reporting standards.
The two sides aim to finalise definitive agreements by December 31, 2026. The term sheet sets out the proposed partnership, while the final agreements remain to be completed.
The signing ceremony took place at PMDC’s head office in Islamabad. Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Irfan Neziroglu, attended as chief guest. PMDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Engineer Asad Ahmad and MTAIC General Manager Dr Nail Yildirim signed the term sheet in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
Why antimony matters
Antimony is the standout mineral in the deal. It is classed as a critical mineral worldwide, used in defence equipment, flame retardants, batteries, metal alloys and electronics. Demand has risen as countries race to secure supply chains for defence and clean-energy technologies.
Copper and gold need less introduction. Both anchor Pakistan’s biggest mining hope, the Reko Diq copper-gold project, also in Balochistan. The Pishin licence adds another front to the country’s push to turn its mineral wealth into revenue, jobs and foreign investment.
Part of a wider economic push
The partnership forms part of expanding economic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council framework. Both countries have been working to lift bilateral trade and investment, and minerals are now firmly on that agenda.
PMDC said the partnership would expand its portfolio into critical and precious metals. Ahmad said the venture would combine PMDC’s geological knowledge and mining experience with MTAIC’s exploration expertise to develop Pakistan’s mineral resources, attract investment and create employment opportunities in Balochistan.
PMDC is a wholly government-owned company operating under the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division. Its mandate covers mineral exploration, mining, processing and marketing across Pakistan.
The project is expected to attract foreign investment, introduce modern mining technology, create local jobs and support economic development in Balochistan, one of Pakistan’s poorest provinces despite its resource wealth. For context on the economic backdrop, the PSX gained 347 points in Friday midday trading, while tax officers have pushed back against FBR restructuring plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pakistan-Turkiye minerals deal?
PMDC of Pakistan and MTAIC of Turkiye signed a term sheet to jointly explore and develop antimony, copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and other minerals in Pishin, Balochistan, under Exploration Licence EL-318.
How large is the exploration area?
The licence spans 498.82 square kilometres. The two sides plan to finalise definitive agreements by December 31, 2026, and will set up a joint venture company in Pakistan with a Balochistan government entity.
Why is antimony important?
Antimony is a critical mineral used in defence equipment, flame retardants, batteries, metal alloys and electronics. Securing supply has become a priority for many countries.
