Pakistan highlights mining potential under CPEC at Beijing summit

May 27, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan underscored the transformative potential of mining cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the 4th Asia Mining Innovation and Development Summit in Beijing, where Deputy Head of Mission Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary delivered the keynote address.

Chaudhary presented Pakistan’s extensive mineral wealth, citing reserves of 186 billion tons of coal, more than 5 million tons of copper, and 400 tons of gold at the Reko Diq mine, along with 500m tons of iron ore.

He emphasized that these natural assets uniquely position Pakistan as a regional industrial leader, particularly as CPEC enters its second phase, focusing on value addition and downstream processing.

The deputy head of mission highlighted the synergy between Pakistan’s rich resource base and China’s advanced mining technologies.

He noted that CPEC Phase-II aims to establish “mutually beneficial partnerships,” aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Among recent developments, Chaudhary referred to the $2.3bn railway project aimed at linking key mining areas to the Gwadar Port an initiative expected to boost the port’s annual capacity to 2m tons by 2030.

He also pointed to major collaborations such as the Saindak Copper-Gold Mine operated by China's MCC Group and the Duddar Lead-Zinc Mine in Balochistan, which reached an output peak of 500,000 tons in 2019 under the management of China Huaye Group.

These examples, he said, reflect successful models of cooperation that deliver both employment opportunities and technology transfer, as per the press release issued.

To further attract investment, Chaudhary detailed Pakistan’s ongoing policy improvements, particularly the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025.

The framework includes tax benefits and accelerated licensing procedures facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

“Our aim is to convert our natural resources into industrial progress and broader socio-economic development,” he remarked.

Also speaking at the event, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Vice President Shaikh Muhammad Shariq expressed the financial sector’s support for mining initiatives.

He noted that CPEC-related projects are paving the way for sustainable financing mechanisms that bolster infrastructure and energy development aligned with Pakistan’s long-term economic vision.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, following President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China in February 2025, which underscored mining as a cornerstone of the strategic relationship.

In closing, Bilal Chaudhary affirmed, “Our iron-clad friendship will shine brighter through innovation and shared prosperity.”

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