Pakistan and China launch e-mining platform, deepen cooperation in mineral sector

Pakistan and China on Wednesday launched the Pak–China E-Mining Platform, a digital initiative designed to improve information sharing, project connectivity, and cooperation between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises, the Petroleum Division said.

The launch took place at the Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad. The forum brought together senior Pakistani leadership, diplomatic representatives, over 70 Chinese companies, 100 Pakistani companies, and 800 participants, and served as a platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, technological collaboration, and business matchmaking across the mining value chain.

The forum was organised by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK) and highlighted opportunities in exploration, mining, processing, logistics, financing, and capacity building. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including:

• ‘A Framework for Cooperation to Explore Opportunities in Digital Cross-Border Industrial Trade’ between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Ltd, JW Corporation, and MCCT International.
• A mineral sector cooperation MoU among Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), POWERCHINA International, and Pak China Investment Company Limited, focusing on investment facilitation, technical cooperation, and joint development.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal noted that CPEC projects had delivered tangible outcomes in power generation, infrastructure, and industrial connectivity. He said China’s ongoing support in capacity building and technological innovation was key to advancing Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining sector, emphasizing sustainability, construction standards, and responsible mining to benefit local communities.

Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted Pakistan’s policy direction toward responsible and value-added mineral development, underscoring regulatory reforms, sustainable practices, and international-standard alignment, particularly amid rising global demand for critical minerals. He cited joint ventures such as the Saindak Copper-Gold Project, Duddar Lead-Zinc Project, and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, while inviting Chinese firms to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.

The forum also featured technical presentations by Chinese institutions on geological cooperation and mining projects, policy briefings by federal and provincial representatives, and discussions on sectoral regulations, incentives, and Pakistan’s mineral potential. The partnership between the Geological Survey of Pakistan and China Geological Survey, ongoing since 2010, was highlighted as a foundation for nationwide geochemical sampling and future integrated geoscientific programmes.

Wang Huihua, Chairman of CCCPK, described the forum as a reflection of the evolving phase of Pakistan–China economic cooperation, with mining and minerals emerging as a new pillar. Wang Jicheng, Chairman of MCC, shared insights on technology transfer, workforce training, and local skills development, affirming long-term commitment to Pakistan’s mineral sector.

The forum concluded with business matchmaking sessions and a stall exhibition, enabling direct engagement between Pakistani and Chinese companies, project showcasing, and discussions on investment and partnership opportunities.