Silkway Impex and PMDC Sign MOU for Development of Geological Analysis Laboratory in Pakistan

Silkway Impex (Private) Limited and Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a Geological Analysis Laboratory in Pakistan, aimed at strengthening the country’s mineral testing, certification and export-readiness capabilities.

The MOU was signed by Raja Taimur Rehman, Managing Director of Silkway Impex (Private) Limited, and Asad Ahmad, Managing Director of PMDC.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Raja Hashim Rehman, COO and Director of Silkway Impex; Noor Zada Afridi, Manager Geology, PMDC; Col. (R) Sohail Raja, Senior General Manager Operations, Silkway Impex; and Col. (R) Malik Ahmed Ajmaal.

The proposed Geological Analysis Laboratory is envisioned as a strategically important facility for Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector. Once developed, it is expected to support mineral producers, exporters, traders, investors, Chinese buyers and other international counterparties by improving access to reliable geological testing and analytical services within Pakistan.

The initiative carries significant commercial importance, as Pakistan’s mineral sector currently relies heavily on overseas laboratories and international inspection houses for testing and certification. The establishment of a modern and internationally credible laboratory in Pakistan would help reduce dependence on external facilities, improve transaction timelines, enhance buyer confidence, and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a competitive supplier in regional and international mineral markets.

Silkway Impex has played a central role in originating and facilitating the project by leveraging its China-facing relationships and its wider mandate to bring Chinese state-linked and private-sector investment, technical cooperation and institutional support into Pakistan. The company will continue to coordinate with Chinese stakeholders to advance the project through the necessary institutional, technical and investment channels.

Selman Pataudi, Managing Director — International, Silkway Impex, will lead Silkway’s engagement with the relevant Chinese stakeholders and work towards bringing the project to fruition.

PMDC, as a leading state-owned enterprise with extensive experience in Pakistan’s mineral sector, will serve as a strong Pakistani partner and institutional anchor for the project. Its sectoral experience, government ownership and commercial mandate make it well positioned to support the development of a facility aligned with Pakistan’s long-term mineral-sector priorities.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Taimur Rehman, Managing Director of Silkway Impex, said:

“This MOU represents an important step towards strengthening Pakistan’s mineral-sector infrastructure. Pakistan has significant mineral potential, but to fully realise its commercial value, the country needs credible testing, analysis and certification capacity within Pakistan. Silkway Impex is committed to facilitating Chinese investment and technical cooperation in strategic sectors, and we are pleased to work with PMDC as a strong Pakistani partner for this important initiative.”

The project reflects the growing opportunity for Pakistan-China cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, particularly in areas that can improve technical capacity, export credibility, value addition and investor confidence.

Silkway Impex and PMDC will continue to work together to advance the project through the next stages of stakeholder engagement, technical coordination and implementation planning.