Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation John L. Thornton stated on Friday that the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) is important for Pakistan, the region, and the world. Speaking at the two-day event, Thornton suggested the forum could play a significant role in creating a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Thornton told the forum, “This forum is, of course, important to Pakistan. It’s important to the region, but it’s important to the world today, and even more in the future.” He further stated that the forum serves as ground zero for the undertaking of creating a more prosperous and peaceful world.
The chairman noted that Khewra contains the world’s second-largest salt mine and provides the Himalayan salt lamps used globally. He remarked that Pakistan has a history of pioneering technology and global trade through its mineral wealth, adding, “This is a tradition that goes back to the dawn of civilization.”
Thornton described the Reko Diq project as a partnership between Barrick, Pakistan, international investors, and local communities to access a major mineral resource. He said, “If successful, it can be a model for how responsible resource development attracts investment, creates opportunity and connects a country more deeply to the global economy.”
Thornton emphasized that Barrick intends to remain a long-term partner with Pakistan, noting that the company has remained a steadfast partner during difficult times. He pointed to the significant increase in oil and gas discoveries over the past 24 months as plain facts that have not gone unnoticed, attributing this progress to international partnerships and forward-looking policies. He added, “We want Pakistan to have more of both.”
Thornton argued that a stable and prosperous Pakistan would benefit the entire world. He stated that historical connections between nations are often built through trade, investment, and shared prosperity rather than just diplomacy.
The chairman concluded by citing a Goldman Sachs report which projects that Pakistan could become one of the six largest economies in the world by 2075. He told the audience, “Let me repeat that. A Goldman Sachs report on Pakistan projects that by 2075, Pakistan could become one of the six largest economies in the world.”
