Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday said the government was strengthening security at mining sites and along transportation routes while improving geological data and infrastructure to attract investment.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), he said more than 40 mineral exploration licences had recently been granted in Balochistan’s Chagai and Khuzdar districts.
The minister said the government was expanding geological surveys, modernising research laboratories and digitising historical geological records to help investors assess mineral potential and reduce exploration risks.
The government is also improving road connectivity between Chagai and Gwadar Port and linking Thar’s coal resources with power plants to facilitate transportation and market access.
Malik said Pakistan was promoting copper smelting to move beyond exporting raw minerals and capture greater value through local processing.
He added that exploration was targeting strategic minerals, including copper, gold, lithium, tin, tungsten, antimony and base metals, while international cooperation was helping strengthen the country’s geological expertise.
The minister stressed that reliable power, water, transport links and access to international markets were essential for commercially viable mining projects.
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