The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) concluded in Islamabad on Friday, bringing together over 10,000 participants from more than 60 countries to explore the nation's mineral wealth. The forum, organized by the Government of Pakistan and endorsed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aimed to translate Pakistan’s mineral potential into practical initiatives and strategic partnerships.
During the event, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) reported an estimated 350 million tonnes of copper in the Dasht-e-Kain area of Balochistan’s Chagai district. The FWO stated this estimate is based on roughly half of the drilling data analysed so far. Additionally, Mari Minerals announced the discovery of its first-ever gold and copper reserves in Balochistan.
National Resources Limited (NRL) reported finding copper and gold mineralisation across at least eight porphyry discoveries in Chagai after drilling nearly 25,000 metres. The company also announced a $100 million investment commitment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
The forum saw the signing of 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistani and international companies. These covered areas such as geoscientific cooperation, mining project development, the establishment of a state-of-the-art commercial minerals laboratory, mineral exploration, airborne geophysical surveys, and advanced exploration technologies, including ambient noise tomography.
PMIF President and OGDC Managing Director/CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak stated in his closing remarks that the forum ended on a note of strong optimism. He said the event brought together international investment interest, national ambition, technical expertise and a shared commitment to unlocking the country’s mineral potential. Lak noted that PMIF26 had made significant progress in translating Pakistan’s mineral potential into practical initiatives, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
Lak highlighted the launch of the National Minerals Database and Data Centre Portal and the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) GeoPortal as important steps towards improving access to geological information and supporting informed investment decisions. He also noted that strategic discussions addressed key priorities such as translating provincial mineral potential into economic prosperity, mobilising capital for early-stage exploration, advancing next-generation mining projects, strengthening the Geological Survey of Pakistan, developing a future-ready mining workforce, promoting women’s participation in the sector, and building investor-ready mining jurisdictions.
Drawing on OGDC’s decades of experience in exploring, developing and managing Pakistan’s energy resources, Lak said geological potential alone was never sufficient for success, stating that technical excellence, patient investment, strong partnerships and effective execution were equally essential. He noted that OGDC, as the founding partner of PMIF, remained firmly committed to supporting the national initiative. The company had launched a national capability development programme in collaboration with Wood Mackenzie to strengthen the skills, institutions and standards needed for a modern and competitive minerals sector.
Lak expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Energy for their leadership and continued support. He also acknowledged the cooperation of federal and provincial institutions, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Geological Survey of Pakistan, Government Holdings (Private) Limited and the Armed Forces of Pakistan. He urged participants to return for the next edition in November 2027 to demonstrate tangible progress.
"Pakistan’s mineral wealth is a gift of nature. Transforming it into lasting prosperity is our collective responsibility," Lak said.
The second day included a government dialogue on building investor-ready mining jurisdictions, featuring representatives from Barrick Mining Corporation Chairman John L. Thornton, Ivanhoe Mines Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and Minmetals Central & South Asia Vice President Wang Jicheng. A session titled “License to Deliver: Building Trust, Infrastructure & Export Corridors” examined the importance of security, environmental and social standards, transport links, power, water and logistics in developing a competitive mining industry. The forum also featured an international exhibition with 122 exhibitors.
