Mari Minerals, Ivanhoe Mines sign agreement to explore copper, gold in Chagai

November 12, 2026 (MLN): Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik witnessed the signing of an agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals to explore copper and gold deposits in Chagai, Balochistan, on the sidelines of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF).

Under the agreement, the two companies plan to carry out exploration work to assess the area’s mineral potential and identify opportunities to develop its copper-gold resources.

The minister also met leading international mining and investment companies at the forum, as Islamabad seeks to draw foreign investment and widen global partnerships in the minerals sector.

Ali Pervaiz Malik Malik held separate meetings with Barrick Mining Corporation Chairman John Thornton and the company’s senior leadership, Weir Chief Executive Andrew Neilson, Trafigura Head of Metals and Minerals (MENA) Ibrahim El Gazzar and his delegation, and Çalık Holding Chief Executive Officer Mustafa Aksoy, said a press release issued.

He also met a delegation of Ivanhoe Mines led by Robert Friedland.

Andrew Neilson told the minister that Weir wants to deepen its role in Pakistan’s mining sector and take part in more projects beyond its current involvement in Reko Diq.

Ibrahim El Gazzar said Trafigura is keenly interested in the Zinc-Barite project and is also looking at opportunities in the LPG, bonded storage and refinery sectors.

John Thornton said visiting Pakistan was always a pleasure, pointing to the company’s continued engagement with the country.

The minister welcomed the growing interest of global companies in Pakistan’s minerals sector.

He said PMIF offers an important platform to connect international investors with opportunities, build partnerships and unlock the country’s vast mineral potential.

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