ISLAMABAD, November 13, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan will work to reduce exports of raw minerals and develop domestic processing and manufacturing industries to generate greater economic value from the country’s mineral resources.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister said the government wanted mineral wealth to support industrial growth, exports and investment rather than remain limited to the extraction and shipment of raw materials.
He acknowledged that extracting minerals, processing them within Pakistan and exporting finished products would be challenging, but said the government was determined to pursue that direction.
Reko Diq project moves towards operations
Highlighting the importance of the Reko Diq copper and gold project in Balochistan, Shehbaz Sharif said the venture was progressing towards its operational phase after nearly two decades of delays.
He described Reko Diq as one of the world’s major undeveloped copper and gold deposits and said its successful development could establish a precedent for future mineral investment in Pakistan.
The prime minister thanked Barrick Mining Corporation for maintaining its confidence in Pakistan and expressed hope that mineral resources would increasingly support domestic downstream industries.
Government promises transparent mineral investment policies
Shehbaz Sharif assured international investors that Pakistan would provide equal investment opportunities, policy continuity and transparent procedures for mineral exploration and development.
He said the government was simplifying investment processes and working to ensure transparency in the issuance of licences and agreements.
The proposed National Minerals Data Centre and digitisation of geological records would help investors access reliable information about Pakistan’s mineral resources, he added.
The prime minister also acknowledged the role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and his team in placing mineral development at the centre of the country’s economic agenda.
Referring to Pakistan’s long-term economic potential, he cited a Goldman Sachs projection that the country could become the world’s sixth-largest economy by 2075, while expressing optimism about achieving major economic progress earlier.
PM meets Barrick Mining delegation
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of Barrick Mining Corporation led by its chairman, John Thornton, to discuss the Reko Diq project.
During the meeting, the prime minister said the success of Reko Diq would help establish Pakistan as a destination for mineral investment.
He emphasised that ensuring direct economic benefits for the people of Balochistan remained a government priority.
The prime minister said mineral development should create opportunities for local communities alongside attracting international investment and supporting Pakistan’s industrial growth.