Pakistan, Australia commit to expanded cooperation in mining and gemstones

Pakistan and Australia have agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration in the mining and gemstones sectors, with the Reko Diq copper-gold project positioned as a model for Pakistan’s mineral industry, officials said on Tuesday.

The announcement came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Australia’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane. Both sides discussed avenues for long-term cooperation, investment opportunities, and structured engagement in Pakistan’s mineral and gemstone markets.

Highlighting Pakistan’s extensive untapped mineral resources, particularly along the Tethyan Belt, Malik proposed the potential of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Australia to ensure sustained and systematic collaboration in the mining sector. He also emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to develop the gemstones sector, citing its potential for value addition, export growth, and job creation.

High Commissioner Kane noted that several Australian firms are already engaged in the Reko Diq project, while others have expressed interest in participating. He encouraged Australian companies to take part in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) and expressed optimism for strong Australian participation.

The envoy also pointed to rising global demand for copper and gold amid the energy transition, underlining the international attention Pakistan’s mining sector is receiving. He highlighted potential collaboration in gemstones through knowledge-sharing, technical assistance, and training programmes.

Malik welcomed Australia’s support for Pakistan’s formalisation of the mineral sector, calling the cooperation both timely and reassuring. He recalled his recent visit to Australia for the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), where he engaged with leading and junior Australian mining companies on investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Pakistan–Australia cooperation in mining and gemstones for mutual economic benefit.