Pakistan is positioning itself as a global destination for critical minerals, according to a report by OGDC. The report says 92 minerals have been discovered in the country, and 52 are being extracted on a commercial basis.
The report puts the value of Pakistan’s mineral reserves at $8 trillion, although the mining sector contributes less than 3 percent to gross domestic product (GDP). With effective policies, mineral exports could rise from $3 billion to $8 billion, the report said.
Reko Diq project and $3.5 billion financing
The Reko Diq project, Pakistan’s largest foreign investment, is expected to begin its first phase of production by the end of 2028. It is projected to yield 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold each year.
Back in October 2025, Pakistan secured $3.5 billion in international financing for the copper and gold project in Balochistan. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military coordination body set up to speed up foreign investment in strategic sectors, was credited for the milestone.
The financing involves a consortium of 11 lenders, including several donor agencies such as the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Development Association of the World Bank, and a European bank. Sources said the deal marks a historic breakthrough and reflects growing international confidence in the country’s investment.
Investment forum and US minerals agreements
Pakistan has also signed agreements with US company US Strategic Metals for developing critical minerals. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is scheduled for November 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, where international investors will be introduced to the country’s mineral potential.
