ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has invited Swedish companies to expand their presence in the country’s mining sector beyond the flagship Reko Diq project as Islamabad looks to attract foreign investment and develop its largely untapped mineral resources.
The invitation was extended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik during a meeting with Sweden’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alexandra Berg von Linde, according to an official statement. The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new partnerships in mining, energy and related industries.
Officials said Swedish companies already maintain a commercial presence in Pakistan across sectors including transport, telecommunications, industrial manufacturing and packaging. More than 40 companies are currently affiliated with the Swedish Business Council in Pakistan.
Swedish expertise in mining technology
During the meeting, Ambassador von Linde highlighted Sweden’s experience in mining technology and sustainable extraction, noting opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas such as mining digitalization, environmental protection and specialized mining services.
According to the statement, Swedish firms are already contributing to Pakistan’s mining industry and see further opportunities for expansion.
The Reko Diq copper and gold project in Balochistan was cited as an example of ongoing cooperation, with Swedish companies providing products, connectivity solutions and explosives-related services.
Reko Diq and Pakistan’s mineral strategy
Pakistan has placed the Reko Diq deposit — considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold reserves — at the center of its strategy to increase mineral exports and revive foreign investment in the mining sector.
Government estimates suggest the project could generate around $70 billion in free cash flow and about $90 billion in operating cash flow during its lifespan. Commercial production is expected to begin in 2028.
The project is jointly owned by Canadian mining company Barrick Gold, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Balochistan.
Malik described Reko Diq as a major asset for Pakistan’s mining industry and said development work on the project has continued steadily.
Opportunities beyond the flagship project
The petroleum minister said Pakistan aims to highlight broader exploration opportunities at the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, where international investors will be invited to explore projects across the mining sector.
“We want partners like Sweden to expand their footprint beyond Reko Diq and participate in Pakistan’s wider mining ecosystem,” Malik said, according to the statement.
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Ambassador von Linde noted that the previous edition of the forum attracted strong international participation. Sweden had an official presence at the event, while several Swedish companies attended independently.
She expressed hope that a larger Swedish business delegation would participate in the upcoming forum.
Both sides agreed to continue engagement aimed at expanding bilateral investment, encouraging technology exchange and supporting sustainable development in Pakistan’s mining and energy sectors.
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