Pakistan, France strike deal to develop mining sector

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and France have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, with a focus on investment, exploration and sustainable development.

The understanding was reached during a high-level webinar titled “Pakistan’s Minerals Economy: Gateway to Growth,” jointly organised by the Government of Pakistan and the Embassy of France in Islamabad on Wednesday. The event was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey. Benjamin Gallezot, Advisor to the French President on Mining, led the French delegation online. Senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and executives from major state-owned firms—including OGDC, PPL, GHPL, and PMDC—participated alongside French business representatives.

Addressing the webinar, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasised the enormous potential of Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions, particularly the Chaghi belt in Balochistan, which holds significant reserves of copper, gold and rare earth elements. “The global shift towards green energy has made minerals such as copper, lithium and rare earth elements crucial for future technologies,” Minister Malik stated. “The Government of Pakistan, through the SIFC, is fully committed to providing all necessary facilitation and a transparent regulatory framework to attract international investors and build strong, long-term partnerships.”

Ambassador Galey praised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its mining sector, stating that French companies were keen to explore sustainable mining partnerships. “France sees great potential in Pakistan’s minerals sector,” he said. “We look forward to deepening cooperation and sharing expertise to support sustainable growth.”