• Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik leads delegation for enhancing collaboration across the mineral sector

• #FutureMineralsForum hosted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brings together government representatives from over 100 countries, nearly 70 international organizations, and global mining leaders to shape ambitious strategies for advancing the mining sector.

• By Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia

Islamabad: To advance cooperation in minerals sector, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik leads delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, being hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a fruitful meeting with H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain.

The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector. He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a key asset.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the strong brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation. He shared that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working to collaborate with the Saudi Geological Survey, and highlighted the immense mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, of which Reko Diq is only a small part. He further noted that fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing also offer promising avenues for joint ventures.

The Pakistani delegation comprises senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and leading mining sector stakeholders, including PPL, OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and Balochistan-based mineral companies, along with specialized service providers.

Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion showcases the country’s rich geology, flagship mining projects, and investment opportunities.

H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and extended full support for Pakistan’s participation. He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, noting that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.

During his visit to the Pavilion, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef appreciated the Pakistani team’s efforts, particularly the Pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.

• Highlighting New Opportunities for Pakistan’s Mining Sector

The Future Minerals Forum 2026 (FMF2026), is being hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh with a strong emphasis on securing sustainable and diversified mineral supply chains to support the global energy transition—opening fresh opportunities for Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector.

The forum brings together ministers, policymakers, global mining companies, sovereign wealth funds, and technology leaders to address rising demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and strategic metals essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure.

• Speaking at the forum, a senior Saudi official noted,

“Future minerals cooperation must be built on trust, transparency, and shared value creation. Countries with untapped geological potential, like Pakistan, can play a vital role in stabilising global supply chains.”

Pakistan’s mineral wealth—estimated to include billions of dollars in copper and gold reserves, particularly in Balochistan, along with coal, chromite, and rare earth minerals—was highlighted by investors seeking new, geopolitically diversified sources. According to regional estimates discussed at FMF2026, global demand for critical minerals is expected to triple by 2030, intensifying interest in emerging mining jurisdictions.

• A Pakistani delegate at the forum observed:

“FMF2026 has reinforced the need for Pakistan to move beyond raw extraction toward value addition, responsible mining, and international partnerships—especially with Gulf economies.”

• Pakistan–Saudi Cooperation Outlook

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030-driven push to become a global hub for mining, processing, and downstream industries aligns closely with Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its mining governance and attract foreign investment. Areas identified for bilateral cooperation include:

Joint exploration and mining ventures involving Saudi investors and Pakistani state or private entities

• Mineral processing and refining facilities, reducing reliance on raw exports
• Technology transfer and skills development in sustainable and digital mining
• Policy and regulatory collaboration to align with international ESG and transparency standards

Speaking on phone , Sabahuddin Qazi, Editor-in-Chief of Press Network of Pakistsn said that Saudi investment vehicles and mining companies could play a catalytic role in unlocking Pakistan’s mining potential, while Pakistan offers long-term resource security for Saudi-led industrial diversification.

As FMF2026 concluded, participants agreed that stronger Pakistan–Saudi engagement in the minerals sector could enhance regional economic integration, support energy transition goals, and contribute to shared prosperity across South and West Asia.