ST PETERSBURG INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM: Pakistan discusses mining sector reforms at SPIEF 2025

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik presented Pakistan’s mining sector reforms at a high-level panel titled ‘The Responsibility of World Leaders for Mineral Reserves and Production for the Sustainable Development of the Global Economy’ during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025.

According to a press release issued from St Petersburg, Russia, the minister highlighted the launch of Pakistan’s Mining Framework Policy and the completion of the Reko Diq mine feasibility study as key milestones in creating an investor-friendly environment for sustainable mineral development. He also underscored the success of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, held in Islamabad in April 2025.

“Pakistan has undertaken comprehensive reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to position itself as an attractive destination for mining investment,” Malik said. “Our new policy framework offers unprecedented opportunities in copper, gold and critical minerals, while ensuring environmental stewardship and community benefits.”

He added that Pakistan had harmonised its legal framework in consultation with a global legal firm, paving the way to unlock the country’s vast mineral wealth through responsible and sustainable development. “Our resources go beyond copper and gold -- Pakistan also holds significant reserves of lithium and other rare earth elements,” he said.

Malik noted that these reforms were successfully introduced at the ‘Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025’, which attracted strong participation from global mining leaders. He extended a formal invitation to international investors to take part in the next edition of the forum.

According to the statement, multiple international mining companies have expressed keen interest in participating, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s reformed mining landscape.