Pakistan, Germany move toward deeper mining, energy cooperation

November 19, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Germany opened discussions on expanding cooperation across mining, minerals and energy during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and German Ambassador Ina Lepel, amid growing foreign interest in the country’s resource sector.

The most significant development was Germany’s signal that international investors view Pakistan’s mining industry particularly the Reko Diq copper-gold project as a key test case for future foreign capital.

Ambassador Lepel said global attention toward Pakistan’s natural resources is increasing and that Berlin sees potential for technical collaboration through the Geological Survey of Pakistan and Germany’s Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), which has previously supported geohazard mapping in the country.

During the meeting, Federal Minister said the government is prioritizing sustainable, mechanized mining and positioning Reko Diq as the benchmark for large-scale projects.

He added that Islamabad aims to build on momentum from the Pakistan Mineral Summit, with a larger Mineral Investment Forum planned to attract global investors.

Energy sector cooperation also featured prominently. Federal Minister said Pakistan is pursuing a refinery upgradation program to meet cleaner fuel standards, aligning with Germany’s decarbonization policies.

He noted that Pakistan recently held its first bidding round for offshore exploration blocks in nearly two decades, a step he described as critical for strengthening domestic fuel security and boosting upstream investment.

Both sides agreed to deepen the Pakistan-Germany partnership through targeted investment and technical knowledge sharing across mining, energy and geological research.

Copyright Mettis Link News