ISLAMABAD – (Mudassir Iqbal/News Agency) – Global mining giants held important talks with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF). The meetings show that Pakistan wants more foreign investment and stronger global partnerships in its minerals sector.
The minister held separate meetings on the sidelines of the forum. He met John Thornton, Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation, along with the company’s senior team.
He also met Andrew Neilson, Chief Executive of Weir, a Scottish mining and engineering company. Mr. Neilson said Weir wants to do more in Pakistan. The company already works on the Reko Diq project and now looks for new projects.
Ibrahim El Gazzar, Head of Metals and Minerals (MENA) at Trafigura, also met the minister with his team. The Singapore-based company is keen on Pakistan’s Zinc-Barite project. It also wants to explore chances in LPG, bonded storage and refinery sectors.
The minister also held talks with Mustafa Aksoy, CEO of Türkiye’s Çalık Holding. A delegation led by Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Mines met him as well.
Mr. Thornton said it is always a pleasure to visit Pakistan. His words reflect the company’s steady ties with the country.
During the forum, the minister watched the signing of a deal between Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals. The two firms will explore copper and gold deposits in Chagai, Balochistan.
Under this agreement, both companies will study the region’s mineral potential. They also hope to find ways to develop its copper and gold resources.
The minister welcomed the rising interest of foreign companies. He said PMIF is a useful platform that brings investors and investment chances together. He added that it helps build partnerships and unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth.
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