US diplomat urges American investors to tap Pakistan’s mining potential

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker on Wednesday called on American investors to seize the moment and explore Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth, highlighting the country's rich copper and gold reserves and its commitment to economic reforms.

“Pakistan offers immense opportunities in the minerals sector. With one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits at Reko Diq, and a strong commitment to economic reforms, this is the right time for USA investors to explore and engage,” Baker said during a high-level U.S.-Pakistan webinar aimed at boosting American investment in Pakistan’s mining industry.

The virtual event, titled “Opportunities in Pakistan’s Mining Sector – Unlocking Mineral Potential,” was co-hosted here by Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Baker. It featured participation from top Pakistani officials, mining sector leaders, and U.S. diplomats and business representatives.

Baker praised Pakistan’s policy reforms and reiterated U.S. support for expanding bilateral economic ties. “We are here to facilitate connections and create win-win partnerships.

USA investors have long contributed to Pakistan’s development, and we see great promise in this sector,” she said, adding, “We believe in Pakistan’s potential, and we see shared opportunity in its journey toward inclusive, sustainable growth.”

Minister Malik underscored Pakistan’s ambitions to become a key global supplier of critical minerals vital for clean energy technologies. “Pakistan is richly endowed with mineral resources, including gold, copper, coal, rare earth elements, and other critical minerals essential for renewable energy transition,” he said.

He cited recent discoveries in Chaghi and Waziristan and spotlighted the Reko Diq project as a game-changer. “Renewable energy development is central to our climate goals and economic future. We are facilitating this shift by supporting the mining of essential minerals and improving ease of doing business,” Malik said.

The minister also pointed to the success of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), which drew global attention. “PMIF25 marked a turning point, showcasing Pakistan as a serious player in the global minerals economy,” he added.

Officials also briefed participants on regulatory reforms, digitalization of geological data, and a new National Minerals Harmonization Framework to simplify investment processes.

Senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), leading Pakistani mineral and energy companies, representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and top USA diplomats and energy sector stakeholders.

Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha, MD OGDCL Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Directors of GHPL and Mari Energies, DG Mines, MD PMDC, and senior representatives from Ark Metals, Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company Ltd (BMEC), Balochistan Mineral Resource Ltd (BMRL), and Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL), US Embassy’s Economic Counsellor, and Energy Officer participated, along with various American business representatives who virtually attended the event.