ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins has signaled Canberra’s strong interest in Pakistan’s mining sector, particularly the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold project in Balochistan. He shared the view during a farewell meeting with Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Tuesday.
Hawkins noted that Australian subcontractors are already engaged in Balochistan and underscored his country’s support for the Asian Development Bank’s involvement in Reko Diq. He said Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth, including rare earth elements vital for modern technology and the global energy transition, makes it a promising destination for Australian expertise.
Minister Malik welcomed the interest, describing Australia as a “world leader in mining” and assuring Islamabad’s full support for Australian investment. “Australia’s growing engagement is a positive sign for Pakistan,” he said, stressing that international partnerships are key to unlocking Pakistan’s mineral and energy potential.
Paying tribute to Hawkins, Malik called him a “true friend of Pakistan” who worked to strengthen bilateral ties. The envoy, who departs after a three-year tenure, leaves behind a legacy of deeper collaboration between the two countries in mining, education, trade, and development assistance.