Experts Highlight \$7 Billion Gold and Copper Reserves in Reko Diq

Karachi – Mineral experts have revealed that Reko Diq holds gold and copper reserves worth over \$7 billion. Speaking at the *Natural Resource and Energy Summit* on Wednesday, themed *“Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector”*, they said that following the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), investment in Pakistan’s mining sector has been accelerating. By 2030, the country’s mining revenues could exceed \$8 billion.

Lucky Cement and Lucky Core Industries Chairman Sohail Tabba, addressing the summit, noted that since the formation of SIFC, greater attention is being paid to mining. He stressed that the sector’s development could bring prosperity to underdeveloped and remote areas, while significantly boosting Pakistan’s GDP. He highlighted that Chagai alone holds mineral reserves worth \$1.3 trillion. However, he emphasized that political stability at home and in the region is essential for unlocking the sector’s potential. Even a few successful mining projects, he said, would attract a flood of applications for exploration licenses and leases.

Shamsuddin, head of the National Resource Company, pointed out that while global demand for metals is soaring, Pakistan’s share in the international market remains negligible. He added that the Tethyan Belt of gold and copper extends from Turkey, Afghanistan, and Iran into Pakistan, with Reko Diq containing reserves worth over \$7 billion. Currently, Pakistan earns only \$2 billion annually from minerals, but by 2030, revenues are projected to rise to between \$6 and \$8 billion. He further said that both local and foreign companies are showing interest in the mining sector, but urged stronger participation from domestic investors, reminding that mining investments typically yield returns after a decade.

Hasan R. Muhammad, founder and CEO of Fidelity, said that for the mining sector to flourish, Pakistan must activate insurance and financial mechanisms dedicated to it. He emphasized that the country’s financial industry must allocate manpower and resources to support large-scale mining projects, calling it the need of the hour.