KARACHI: Pakistan’s mining sector holds the key to transforming the national economy, with the potential to boost annual revenues from the current \$2 billion to as high as \$6–8 billion by 2030, if the country harnesses its vast untapped mineral reserves.
Speaking at the Natural Resources and Energy Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Shamsuddin A. Shaikh, CEO of National Resources Ltd (NRL), underlined that Pakistan sits on one of the world’s richest mineral belts yet contributes only 0.15% to global mineral output and 2–3% to national GDP. Of the 92 known minerals, nearly 90% remain unexplored.
“This is the moment for Pakistani companies and investors to step up through joint ventures and partnerships,” Shaikh said. “If we delay, foreign players will seize the opportunity. Mining is not just about extracting minerals—it’s about creating jobs, building communities, and reducing poverty.”
Key projects driving this growth include Reko Diq, expected to generate \$4–5bn annually, Siah Diq (\$1–2bn), the Thar coal expansion (\$200m), and barite, lead, and zinc ventures (\$100m). Additional copper and gold exploration in the Chagai region could add another \$5–10bn annually after 2030.
Speakers at the summit also highlighted the enabling role of insurance. Hassan R. Muhammadi, Founder and Director of Fidelity Insurance Brokers, assured investors that the sector is ready to provide tailored risk solutions. Khurram Ali Khan, CEO of Fidelity, noted that “in volatile environments, insurance is the safety net that keeps projects moving and investors confident.”
Business leader Muhammad Sohail Tabba, Chairman of Lucky Cement, stressed that mining could bring prosperity to rural provinces through job creation, education, and capacity building. “Resource development can foster stability and peace in underserved regions,” he said.
However, experts warned that governance gaps, policy inconsistency, and climate-related risks could undermine progress unless tackled with strong regulation, human resource development, and technology adoption, including artificial intelligence.
The summit gathered policymakers, CEOs, investors, and international experts, all aligning on one message: Pakistan must act decisively to realise its mining potential.
“Mining can become a \$10bn-plus industry with the right policies and local investments,” Shaikh concluded. “This is Pakistan’s moment to shape its future with pride, growth, and stability.”
