Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, with a focus on joint investment, technical collaboration, and development across the mineral value chain, officials said during meetings held in Riyadh.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, where Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is leading a Pakistani delegation. The forum is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and brings together global policymakers and industry leaders amid rising international demand for critical minerals.
Ministers discuss investment and technical collaboration
During the visit, Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef. Both sides reviewed existing cooperation and explored opportunities for joint ventures in mineral exploration, processing, and downstream industries.
Saudi officials noted that global focus on mining and critical minerals has increased significantly and highlighted Pakistan’s untapped mineral potential. The Saudi minister said the kingdom is prepared to share technical expertise and knowledge resources to support Pakistan’s mineral sector, while also pointing to Pakistan’s young workforce as a strategic advantage.
Pakistan highlights geological potential
Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Saudi Arabia and said efforts are underway to enhance collaboration between the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the Saudi Geological Survey. He emphasized the broader mineral prospects of the Tethyan Belt, noting that projects such as Reko Diq represent only a fraction of the country’s overall mineral resources.
The minister also identified fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing as additional sectors where joint ventures could be explored alongside mining-related investments.
Wide-ranging delegation attends FMF 2026
The Pakistani delegation includes senior government officials, executives from state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and key stakeholders from the mining industry. Among them are Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Mari Energies, Government Holdings (Private) Limited, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Saindak Metals, and mineral companies from Balochistan, as well as specialized service providers.
Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being coordinated by PPL in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division. The Pakistan Pavilion, themed “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” is showcasing the country’s geological landscape, major mining projects, and investment opportunities.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy welcomed the delegation and expressed support for Pakistan’s presence at the forum, describing it as a step toward strengthening long-standing bilateral relations. Saudi Minister Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef also visited the pavilion and praised the efforts of the Pakistani team, particularly the pavilion’s design and presentation.
