Pak-China Mineral Forum advances strategic mineral ventures under CPEC
2026-01-28 - 13:01
ISLAMABAD – Iron-Friends Pakistan and China are set to supercharge mineral sector, with Pak–China Mineral Forum serving as a platform to launch strategic mineral ventures under the CPEC framework. Over 850 leaders, industry experts, and business pioneers from both countries filled the halls, ready to explore opportunities, sign partnerships, and imagine a future where Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth powers economic growth. From copper and gold to digital innovations in mining, the Forum became a melting pot of ideas, investments, and commitments. The key gathering was bold leap forward for Pakistan’s mineral industry, Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum convened today at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre, drawing over Chinese companies and Pakistani firms. The high-profile event brought together top government leaders, industry titans, and diplomatic representatives to forge stronger partnerships and unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential. The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished figures, including Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives; H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan; Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division); and Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment. Senior officials from federal and provincial governments, leading Chinese enterprises, and industry stakeholders also attended. Ahsan Iqbal hailed forum as a testament to enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership, saying projects under CPEC have transformed Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, and industrial landscape. Highlighting China’s global leadership in mining, particularly rare earths, copper smelting, and refining, he spotlighted joint ventures such as the Saindak Copper-Gold Project, Duddar Lead-Zinc Project, and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, while signaling new opportunities in copper-gold exploration. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to policy stability, streamlined approvals, and federal–provincial coordination, and extended a formal invitation to Chinese companies for the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong delivered a powerful keynote, stressing Beijing’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s mining sector. He sheds light on importance of sustainability, responsible mining, and technology transfer, noting that the Saindak project alone has trained over 5,200 local employees. He also highlighted China’s “small and beautiful projects” in infrastructure, education, and healthcare as part of its holistic development approach. Mr. Wang Huihua, Chairman of CCCPK, hailed forum as a turning point in Pakistan-China economic cooperation, with mining emerging as a major pillar. He stressed CCCPK’s role in fostering dialogue, promoting responsible investment, and strengthening business linkages for long-term success. Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik underscored Pakistan’s policy focus on value-added, sustainable mineral development, aligned with global standards and rising demand for critical minerals. Mr. Wang Jicheng, Chairman of MCC, shared insights on Chinese mining operations, highlighting technology transfer, workforce training, and local capacity-building, and reaffirmed MCC’s long-term commitment to exploration, mining, and downstream development in Pakistan. A major highlight was the launch of the Pak–China E-Mining Platform, a digital initiative set to revolutionize information sharing, project connectivity, and transparency between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises. The forum also witnessed multiple MoUs, including agreements for digital cross-border industrial trade between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited, JW Corporation, and MCCT International, and a mineral-sector cooperation MoU among PMDC, POWERCHINA International, and Pak China Investment Company Limited for joint development, technical collaboration, and investment facilitation. The forum’s second session featured policy frameworks and sector briefings, with federal and provincial representatives presenting on mining regulations, incentives, and resource potential. Technical presentations by Chinese institutions highlighted geological cooperation and major projects. The event concluded with business matchmaking sessions and a dynamic exhibition, enabling companies from both countries to showcase projects, explore partnerships, and cement investment opportunities.