The second day of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 witnessed a strong international response as delegates from across the globe were invited to explore lucrative investment opportunities in Pakistan's mining sector, particularly the massive Reko Diq project in Balochistan.
Representatives from countries, including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, expressed keen interest in tapping into Pakistan's untapped mineral wealth. A special plenary session was held on the Reko Diq Mining Project, one of the world’s most significant copper and gold reserves, located in the Chaghi district of Balochistan.
World's largest copper-gold discovery in Reko Diq
Russell Howard Owen, a representative of Reko Diq Mining Company, shared the project’s feasibility and future roadmap, calling the mineral reserves at Reko Diq a “game changer” for the global mining industry.
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“The Reko Diq project holds approximately 5.9 billion tonnes of mineral reserves, with feasibility studies confirming the presence of 15 million tonnes of copper and 26 million ounces of gold,” said Howard, calling them the world's largest reserves discovered in the world. He also said that the expected mining period of the project is 37 years.
He added that minerals at Reko Diq are spread over 286 square kilometres, with geotechnical and geo-capital drilling already completed on a 19 km² portion. “Phase one of the project has received feasibility approval, and on-ground development is expected to begin this year,” he revealed, adding that the Reko Diq project is expected to generate an estimated $70 billion in capital.
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Once operational in 2028, Reko Diq is projected to produce 240,000 tonnes of copper and 300,000 ounces of gold annually. The project’s second phase aims to scale up production to 400,000 tonnes of copper and 500,000 ounces of gold per year, making it one of the most promising mining ventures in the region.
OGDCL reaffirms Pakistan’s mining readiness
Also addressing the forum, OGDCL CEO Ahmed Hayat emphasized that Pakistan is not only abundant in mineral resources but also fully prepared to facilitate international investment.
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“Pakistan is building its future with a clear vision, confident determination, and mutual cooperation,” said Hayat. “We have laid the foundation for a new era of responsible, sustainable, and inclusive mining.”
Hayat assured that foreign investors will be welcomed as partners in national development, not just financiers. “We will provide a transparent, safe, and conducive environment to ensure profitable and secure investments in our mineral sector,” he added.
