Pakistan is taking strategic steps to transform its untapped mineral resources into a driver of economic growth, employment, and technological advancement. With trillions of dollars’ worth of copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and gemstones, the country has historically underutilized its wealth, resulting in minimal exports and limited benefits for local communities.
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The Second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26), scheduled for April 8-9 in Islamabad, seeks to change this narrative by presenting Pakistan as an investment-ready mining economy. The forum will host technical sessions, a strategic conference, and an international gemstone exhibition, offering investors transparent access to data, policy updates, and project opportunities.
Pakistan is unlocking its vast mineral potential.
With policy reforms & global partnerships, the upcoming #PMIF26 in Islamabad will showcase investment-ready projects, ESG compliance & modern tech. From #RekoDiq to gemstones, Pakistan targets $1B exports boosting jobs, GDP pic.twitter.com/kzCHqEkPzF— Amna Fazail (@AmnaFazail) January 13, 2026
Flagship projects such as the Reko Diq copper-gold mine, containing over 5.9 billion tonnes of ore, could generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs. Pakistan’s gemstone sector, valued at around $450 billion, currently exports only $5.8 million annually. The government has introduced its first national gemstone policy to modernize certifications, promote value addition, and empower youth-led entrepreneurship, aiming for $1 billion in exports within five years.
Reforms also focus on integrating local communities into the industry, ensuring fair market access, and introducing modern technology and transparent governance. Experts predict that developing the mineral and gemstone sector could add $5–7 billion annually to GDP over the next decade and generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
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By aligning policies with international standards, encouraging foreign investment, and fostering responsible local participation, Pakistan aims to position itself as a credible partner in the global minerals market. PMIF26 represents a milestone in turning raw potential into tangible economic and social outcomes, while promoting environmental sustainability, value addition, and inclusive growth across mining regions.