As the world races toward net-zero by 2050, demand for critical minerals like copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs) is exploding—projected to surge 2-3x by 2040 for EVs, batteries, AI, and renewables. Enter Pakistan: sitting on an estimated $6 trillion in untapped reserves along the mineral-rich Tethyan Belt, including the colossal Reko Diq project (5.9 billion tonnes of ore, ~5M tons copper, 41M ounces gold worth $60-74B). At the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh (Jan 13-15), Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik didn’t just attend—he electrified the global stage, pitching Pakistan as the next “Mineral Marvel” and issuing a battle cry: “Pakistan is open for business.” With Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals eyeing stakes in Reko Diq and US deals like the $500M Strategic Metals pact already flowing, 2026 is Pakistan’s breakout year.
Riyadh Red Carpet: Pakistan Steals the Show at FMF 2026
Pakistan’s FMF debut was a masterclass in diplomacy-meets-dealmaking. Minister Malik led a powerhouse delegation, securing bilateral breakthroughs:
- Saudi Power Plays: Met HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Saudi Energy Minister) for petroleum supply, renewables, and efficiency pacts; Engr. Khalid Al-Falih (Investment Minister) to turbocharge FDI in energy/minerals; plus Saudi EXIM CEO Eng. Saad Alkhalb, Delta Oil Chairman Badr Al-Aiban, and Metso CEO Sami Takaluoma. Discussions zeroed in on joint ventures, with Saudi’s $2.5T mineral ambitions aligning perfectly—Manara Minerals is in advanced talks for 10-20% Reko Diq stake (potentially $1-2B).
- Global Heavyweights: Chatted with International Energy Forum SecGen Jassim Alshirawi on supply chain resilience.
The “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel” Pavilion drew crowds with live demos of the National Minerals Data Center (NMDC)—Pakistan’s game-changing digital hub featuring 3D geological models, GIS mapping, and real-time visuals of Balochistan, KP, and Gilgit-Baltistan belts. A packed 90-minute showcase, attended by Saudi Deputy Minister Abdulrahman Al-Belushi, hammered home: Reko Diq isn’t a mine—it’s a global benchmark for ESG-compliant mining, with production ramping to 250K tons copper/700K oz gold annually by 2028, generating $2.8B exports Year 1.
Ministerial Spotlight: “The World is Knocking at Pakistan’s Door”
On CNN’s Eleni Giokos-moderated panel—”Dawn of a Global Cause: The Role of Governments in Driving Mineral Supply”—Malik shared the stage with Saudi’s Bandar Alkhorayef, Morocco’s Leila Benali, Mauritania’s Thiam Tidjani, Chile’s Aurora Williams, and Canada’s Claude Guay. Key flex:
- Regulatory Revolution: Streamlining laws, harmonizing frameworks (benchmarked to top jurisdictions via global firms), slashing “systemic friction” for investor ease.
- Vast Arsenal: 5th-largest copper reserves globally; lithium/cobalt/REEs in Gilgit-Baltistan; $450B gemstones (emeralds, rubies—yet exports just $5.8M, targeting $1B in 5 years via new National Gemstone Policy).
- Buzz Quote: Giokos nailed it—”due to the immense potential, the world appears to be knocking at Pakistan’s door to secure minerals.” Panelists nodded: Pakistan’s rising as an “emerging attractive destination.”
At the invite-only Ministerial Roundtable (100+ governments), Malik invited all to PMIF26—”Beyond Reko Diq”—your must-attend for project pipelines, tech showcases, and deals.
Beyond Reko Diq: Trillion-Dollar Opportunities Beckon Investors
Reko Diq (Barrick Gold 50% stake, post-arbitration revival) is the crown jewel—$74B free cash flow over 37 years—but Pakistan’s Tethyan Belt holds trillions more:
- Critical Minerals Powerhouse: Antimony (military/semiconductors), tungsten, nickel, chromite; first US rare earth shipment Oct 2025 under $500M deal (phases to scale by 2028). US EXIM eyeing $1.25B for Reko Diq mining; total US pledges up to $50B in 3 years.
- Economic Turbocharge: Sector could add $5-7B to GDP annually next decade, 10K+ jobs; gemstones alone via certification/value-add/youth training.
- Hot Partnerships:
Partner Focus Deal Size/Potential Saudi Arabia Copper-gold, processing $1-2B Reko Diq stake; food security minerals USA REEs, antimony, copper $500M+; poly-metallic refineries China (CPEC) Saindak copper-gold Operational, expanding Global (Barrick, Vedanta) Exploration/processing $9.3B regional pacts
Pakistan’s new Mining Framework Policy ensures ESG, community benefits, security (despite Balochistan challenges—funds approved for Reko Diq ops).
PMIF26: Your Gateway to Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution (April 8-9, Islamabad)
Building on PMIF25’s success, PMIF26 at Jinnah Convention Centre is the platform:
- Technical Conference: Submit papers by Jan 31 (notify Feb 28)—exploration, value-add, ESG.
- Why Attend? Data-driven pitches (NMDC live), Reko Diq case studies, “Beyond Reko Diq” visions; network with 100+ govs, Ma’aden, Zijin, Alcoa.
- Investor Perks: Tax incentives, SEZs for refining/EV batteries; govt backing for “patient capital.”
Why 2026 is Pakistan’s Mineral Tipping Point
FMF 2026 wasn’t hype—it’s momentum. With Saudi as mining hub (FMF sealed $26.6B deals), Pakistan’s positioning as supplier partner amid China-dominant chains (90% REE processing). Reforms address past pitfalls (security, governance); US/Saudi inflows counterbalance CPEC. Risks? Balochistan stability, infrastructure—but $140M Saudi exploration jumps (from $28M in 2019) signal confidence.
Investor Action Plan:
- Explore Now: Dive NMDC for real-time data.
- Partner Up: Target PMIF26 for MoUs.
- Scale Smart: Focus downstream (refining, batteries) for 5-10x returns.
- ESG Edge: Transparent, community-first wins premiums.
Pakistan’s not begging—investors are knocking. From Reko Diq’s 2028 floodgates to REEs fueling AI/EVs, seize the “Mineral Marvel” before the rush. With Minister Malik’s vision and global doors open, 2026 turns geology into geopolitics gold.
