Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik meets executives from Barrick, Weir, Trafigura and Çalik Holding as international companies explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a series of bilateral meetings with leading international mining and investment companies on Thursday, as Pakistan stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment and develop its mineral resources through the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF).
The minister held separate meetings with John Thornton, Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation, accompanied by the company’s senior leadership; Andrew Neilson, Chief Executive of Scottish mining and engineering company Weir; Ibrahim El Gazzar, Head of Metals and Minerals (MENA) at Singapore-based Trafigura; and Mustafa Aksoy, Chief Executive Officer of Türkiye’s Çalik Holding.
He also met a delegation led by Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Mines.
During the meeting, Neilson expressed Weir’s interest in expanding its operations in Pakistan, saying the company was considering participation in additional mining projects beyond its existing involvement in Reko Diq.
Trafigura’s El Gazzar conveyed the company’s strong interest in Pakistan’s Zinc-Barite project. He also highlighted potential opportunities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), bonded storage and refinery sectors.
Meanwhile, Barrick Chairman John Thornton described his visit to Pakistan as a pleasure, reflecting the company’s continued engagement with the country.
Ivanhoe Mines, Mari Minerals sign exploration agreement
A key development on the sidelines of the forum was the signing of an agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals for the exploration of copper and gold deposits in Chagai, Balochistan.
Under the agreement, the two companies intend to conduct exploration activities to assess the region’s mineral potential and identify opportunities to develop its copper and gold resources.
Ali Pervaiz Malik witnessed the signing ceremony and welcomed the growing interest of international companies in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
He said the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum provides an important platform for connecting global investors with investment opportunities, facilitating international partnerships and unlocking the country’s vast mineral potential.
The meetings and exploration agreement highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation and attract investment into its mining industry.