Pakistan has emerged as a prominent player in the global mining industry at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025, where it showcased its vast untapped mineral wealth, positioning itself as a key mining powerhouse. The event, held in Riyadh, saw Pakistan’s delegation make a significant impact, drawing attention to the country’s rich reserves of gemstones, non-metallic minerals, industrial minerals, metals, and rare-earth elements.
The session opened with the screening of “Beneath the Surface: Pakistan’s Mining Renaissance,” a captivating film that highlighted Pakistan’s potential in the mining sector. The film laid the foundation for the panel discussion titled “Pakistan: The Mineral Marvel – Unlocking the Future of Mining,” moderated by Imran Abbasy, Managing Director of Pakistan Petroleum Limited.
The esteemed panel featured Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister of Petroleum and Water Resources; Timothy Cribb, Project Director at Barrick, Reko Diq; and Asad Ahmed, Managing Director of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation. Dr. Malik emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the mining sector through comprehensive reforms and institutional capacity building.
He also noted Pakistan’s alignment with global shifts toward green energy, underscoring the country’s focus on sustainability within the mining industry. Over 10,000 delegates visited the Pakistan Pavilion at FMF 2025, highlighting the growing international interest in Pakistan’s mining potential. Government representatives, state-owned enterprises, and private sector stakeholders engaged with investors and experts, showcasing diverse opportunities in mineral exploration and production.
A key highlight of the forum was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Wah Nobel Group and Saudi Gold Refinery. Witnessed by Dr. Malik, these agreements will enable Wah Nobel to provide advanced drilling and blasting services, enhancing mining operations in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Malik also held three pivotal meetings at the Pakistan Pavilion, where he engaged US-based delegates using a 3D mineral map to illustrate Pakistan’s vast mining opportunities. In the closing ceremony, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, praised Pakistan’s pavilion, noting the stunning and informative design, which effectively showcased the country’s mining industry. Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2025, coupled with the strategic location of its pavilion, successfully attracted significant attention, fostering key collaborations and strengthening the country’s position as a leading mining destination.
