Pakistan to Shift from Raw Mineral Exports to Domestic Processing, Manufacturing: PM Shehbaz
Independent report
ISLAMABAD, November 13: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for a fundamental transformation of Pakistan’s minerals sector, stressing that the country must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop domestic processing, refining and manufacturing industries to maximise economic benefits from its natural resources.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, the prime minister said Pakistan’s mineral wealth must become a driving force for industrialisation, employment generation and economic prosperity.
“The chapter of shipping Pakistan’s precious minerals out of the country in a raw form must be closed forever,” he said, urging international investors to adopt a policy of mining, processing and manufacturing in Pakistan before exporting finished products to global markets.
He emphasised that major projects, including Reko Diq and developments along the Tethyan Copper Belt, should pave the way for establishing refineries, cement plants and cable and conductor manufacturing facilities in the country.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, the prime minister said production was expected to begin in 2028. He noted that the project, which remained stalled for nearly two decades, was now progressing towards implementation.
The prime minister stressed that technology transfer, vocational training, local suppliers and the development of a skilled workforce were essential to ensuring that mineral investments generated lasting economic benefits for Pakistan.
He assured foreign investors of government facilitation through simplified procedures, transparent policies and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles.
In a separate meeting with Barrick Mining Corporation Chairman John Thornton, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to ensure that local communities, particularly the people of Balochistan, directly benefited from Reko Diq and other mineral development projects.
He said employment opportunities, skills training and improved economic prospects for young people and communities surrounding project sites must remain key priorities.
The Barrick delegation expressed interest in investing in mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar. Both sides also discussed policy, regulatory and infrastructure requirements for expanding investment in Pakistan’s mining sector.
The prime minister said Barrick’s expertise could also contribute to the broader development of Pakistan’s mining industry beyond Reko Diq.
In another meeting with Ivanhoe Mines Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland, the prime minister assured full government facilitation for investment in the exploration and development of copper, gold and other critical minerals.
He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council would extend support to the company’s investment initiatives in Pakistan.
The meetings were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and other senior officials.
