Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with leading international mining, engineering, and investment companies on the sidelines of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and strengthening international partnerships in the minerals sector.
The federal minister held separate meetings with Mr. John Thornton, Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation, accompanied by the company’s senior leadership; Mr. Andrew Neilson, Chief Executive of Scotland-based mining and engineering company Weir; Mr. Ibrahim El Gazzar, Head of Metals and Minerals (MENA) at Singapore-headquartered Trafigura, along with his delegation; and Mr. Mustafa Aksoy, Chief Executive Officer of Türkiye’s Çalık Holding. He also met with a delegation led by Mr. Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Mines.
During the meeting, Mr. Andrew Neilson expressed Weir’s interest in expanding the company’s presence in Pakistan’s mining sector, highlighting its intention to explore additional projects beyond its existing engagement in Reko Diq.
Mr. Ibrahim El Gazzar conveyed Trafigura’s keen interest in Pakistan’s Zinc-Barite project and highlighted potential opportunities for the company in the country’s LPG, bonded storage, and refinery sectors.
Meanwhile, Mr. John Thornton expressed his pleasure at visiting Pakistan, reflecting Barrick Mining Corporation’s continued engagement and interest in the country’s mining sector.
On the occasion, the Federal Minister also witnessed the signing of an agreement between international mining company Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals for the exploration of copper and gold deposits in Chagai, Balochistan.
Under the agreement, both companies will undertake exploration activities to evaluate the region’s mineral potential and identify opportunities for the development of its copper and gold resources.
Welcoming the growing interest of international companies in Pakistan’s minerals sector, the Federal Minister emphasized that PMIF serves as an important platform for connecting global investors with emerging investment opportunities, facilitating strategic partnerships, and unlocking the country’s substantial mineral potential.
The engagements reflect Pakistan’s continued efforts to strengthen international investor confidence, promote collaboration with leading global mining companies, and accelerate the development of its mineral resources.
