ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins said Tuesday that Australian companies are eyeing greater investment in Pakistan’s mining sector, particularly the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq project in Balochistan, during a farewell meeting with Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Hawkins noted that Australian subcontractors are already active in Balochistan and emphasized Canberra’s support for the Asian Development Bank’s role in Reko Diq, a strategically important copper and gold venture. He said Pakistan’s mineral wealth—including rare earth metals critical for modern technology and the global energy transition—makes it an attractive destination for Australian expertise.
Malik welcomed the growing interest, calling Australia a “world leader in mining” and pledging Islamabad’s full support for Australian investment. “Australia’s growing engagement is a positive sign for Pakistan,” he said. “We are committed to providing a facilitative environment for international companies and view such partnerships as crucial for the development of our mining sector.”
The minister also praised Hawkins as a “true friend of Pakistan” who strengthened bilateral ties during his tenure. He expressed best wishes for the envoy’s next posting and said he hoped Hawkins would leave with “fond memories” of Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to broaden cooperation beyond mining into trade, investment, and energy. Hawkins leaves Islamabad after a three-year assignment that saw Canberra and Islamabad deepen collaboration in resources, education, and development assistance.