ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s vast reserves of copper, gold, and rare earth elements were highlighted during a meeting between Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and outgoing Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins, according to a press release issued yesterday.
The two sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in mineral exploration and development, with Malik emphasizing Pakistan’s potential to become a key player in the global resource market.
Hawkins noted that several Australian subcontractors are already active in Balochistan’s mineral sector and reaffirmed Australia’s interest in Pakistan’s natural resources.
Malik praised Hawkins for strengthening bilateral ties and expressed hope that the outgoing High Commissioner would leave Pakistan with lasting positive memories.
In a separate engagement, the Petroleum Minister met with a Finnish delegation led by Ambassador Hannu Ripatti and Metso’s President of Minerals Piia Karhu. He emphasized Pakistan’s shift towards modern, mechanized, and responsible mining practices and reassured the delegation of the government’s commitment to creating a stable, investor-friendly environment.
Malik also highlighted the importance of training local talent to support both domestic prosperity and global workforce development.
