Pakistan, Australia explore long-term mining cooperation framework

Pakistan and Australia on Tuesday discussed the possibility of entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement to establish structured and long-term cooperation in Pakistan’s mining and mineral sector, according to an official statement.

The proposal was raised by the federal minister for petroleum during a meeting with Timothy Kane, Australia’s newly appointed high commissioner to Pakistan. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in mining, minerals, and gemstones, including investment, skills development, and technical cooperation.

The proposed agreement builds on an Australian initiative presented in July 2025 that envisaged partnerships between Australian universities, mining companies, and Pakistani institutions to deliver specialised training in modern mining techniques and services, aimed at strengthening local capacity.

During the meeting, the petroleum minister highlighted Pakistan’s mineral potential, particularly in the Tethyan Belt, and welcomed continued interest from Australian firms. He proposed that a formal agreement could provide a framework for sustained cooperation and investment in the sector.

The Australian high commissioner noted that Australian companies are already engaged in Pakistan’s mining industry and have played a role in exploration activities across Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. He said additional Australian firms have shown interest in participating in major projects, including the Reko Diq copper-gold project, and would be encouraged to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in the gemstones sector, with emphasis on knowledge sharing, training, and technical assistance to support value addition and exports. The meeting reviewed the petroleum minister’s recent participation in the International Mining and Resources Conference in Australia, where engagement with Australian mining companies explored further investment opportunities.

The two countries agreed to continue discussions on strengthening collaboration in mining and gemstones, with a view to supporting sector development and long-term economic engagement.