Pakistan’s mineral wealth is estimated at between $6 trillion and $8 trillion, according to a recent policy analysis by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). The country has 92 identified minerals, of which 52 are being extracted commercially, but mining contributes less than 3% to the national economy.
The report, titled The New Mineral Geopolitics: Why Pakistan Must Move Beyond Extraction, calls for better policies and greater investment in local processing to increase the value of mineral exports. With the right steps, exports could rise from around $3 billion to $8 billion.
One major project is Reko Diq in Balochistan, where production is expected to begin in 2028. Its first phase is projected to produce up to 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold annually.
Pakistan will also present its mineral resources to international investors at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad on November 12 and 13. The event aims to attract investment and build partnerships for exploration, processing and mining.
Experts say Pakistan needs to move beyond selling raw minerals and focus on adding value locally to gain greater economic benefits.
