Globacore Minerals is advocating for the use of modern, systematic exploration science to transform Pakistan’s recognized mineral potential into projects that can attract investor financing. The company is bringing international expertise to this task as the country prepares to host the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) in Islamabad on 12–13 November.
The push for systematic exploration comes amid a global energy mineral shortage. The International Energy Agency warns that the current pipeline of mine projects could lead to a 30% shortfall in copper supply by 2035. The agency also notes that the supply of key energy minerals is highly concentrated, with one country serving as the leading refiner for 19 of the 20 minerals, making diversification "the watchword for energy security."
Pakistan has identified 92 minerals, including the Reko Diq copper-gold deposit and the Saindak copper mine in Balochistan’s Chagai district. However, analysts at SFA Oxford estimate that more than 95% of the terrain remains under-explored. Nick Winer, VP Exploration at Globacore Minerals, stated that while the geological systems for copper and gold are clearly present in Chagai, the work of exploring the ground systematically to modern international standards is still at an early stage. Winer noted that for an explorer, this represents a rare opportunity.
Winer, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and a Qualified Person, previously led teams that discovered the Nuevo Chaquiro copper-gold porphyry deposit in Colombia and made the Araguaia nickel deposit in Brazil viable by re-interpreting existing data. He explained that discovery does not always require new ground, stating, "Bringing existing data together, testing it and reading it with modern tools, including AI routines, is one of the most cost-effective ways to decide where to focus."
Globacore Minerals, owned by six of Pakistan’s leading business groups, applies this approach to its portfolio in the Chagai belt and the Washuk area by combining remote sensing, integrated geophysics, geology, and systematic sampling with global consultants. The company reported that its joint venture with Mari Minerals in District Chagai, which is operated by Mari, has reached the drilling stage.
The company emphasizes that international reporting standards, such as JORC and NI 43-101, are essential for securing lender trust. The ability of Reko Diq to secure $3.5 billion in debt from international lenders is cited as evidence of what credible, well-defined projects can achieve.
Winer will participate in the PMIF26 on the opening day, speaking on the panel "Building the Pipeline: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Mining Projects" and giving a presentation titled "Challenges and Pitfalls in Early Stage Mineral Exploration." He maintains that patience and discipline are necessary, stating, "Most targets never become mines, and that is normal. Patient capital, quality data and skilled people are what turn potential into projects that can be financed. That is the foundation Pakistan’s next generation of mines will be built on."
