Key Takeaways
- Silkway Impex (Private) Limited and Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation signed an MOU.
- The agreement aims to develop a Geological Analysis Laboratory in Pakistan.
- The facility is expected to improve mineral testing, certification, and export-readiness.
Silkway Impex (Private) Limited and the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation have entered into an agreement to establish a Geological Analysis Laboratory in Pakistan. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Raja Taimur Rehman, Managing Director of Silkway Impex, and Asad Ahmad, Managing Director of PMDC.
Also present at the signing ceremony were key officials from both companies: 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 laboratory is seen as a critical infrastructure for Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector, designed to support mineral producers, exporters, traders, investors, Chinese buyers, and other international counterparties by providing reliable geological testing and analytical services within the country.
Currently, Pakistan's mineral sector heavily relies on overseas laboratories and international inspection houses for testing and certification. The establishment of a modern and internationally credible laboratory in Pakistan would reduce this dependence, improve transaction timelines, enhance buyer confidence, and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a competitive supplier in regional and international markets.
Silkway Impex has been instrumental in originating and facilitating the project by leveraging its China-facing relationships and broader mandate to bring Chinese state-linked and private-sector investment into Pakistan. The company will continue to coordinate with Chinese stakeholders to advance the project through necessary institutional, technical, and investment channels.
Selman Pataudi, Managing Director — International, Silkway Impex, will lead the engagement with 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Raja Taimur Rehman stated: '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.'
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 stakeholder engagement, technical coordination, and implementation planning.
This MOU represents an important step towards strengthening Pakistan's mineral-sector infrastructure.
Raja Taimur Rehman, Managing Director of Silkway Impex
