Pakistan’s Untapped Resources: Challenges and Solutions”

The Slumbering Giant Beneath: Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth and the Promise of Power
Pakistan stands among the few nations upon whose soil nature has bestowed a treasury vast and untamed. Its mineral resources, scattered across its rugged terrains and arid frontiers, whisper tales of untapped prosperity. These resources, if rightly harnessed, have the potential not only to rejuvenate the national economy but to anchor Pakistan as a formidable strategic player in the global resource market.

The nation’s mineral wealth is commonly categorised into three principal domains. Strategic minerals—such as copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, and chromite—are the silent sentinels of modern warfare, electronics, and green technologies. Energy minerals—coal, uranium, natural gas, and oil—are the lifeblood of the energy matrix and the cornerstone of nuclear capability. Lastly, industrial and precious stones—including salt, limestone, gypsum, barite, marble, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires—grace both the scaffolding of cities and the splendour of ornament.

This latent fortune, though abundant, remains largely dormant—its promise hindered by the twin shadows of bureaucratic inertia and political uncertainty. Security concerns and a lack of institutional transparency further deepen the quagmire. Yet for global investors, these minerals remain a siren song—a tempting lure cloaked in dust and potential.

Though often eclipsed by the mineral splendours of Balochistan, Sindh too bears testimony to nature’s generosity. The Tharparkar region alone harbours an estimated 185 billion tonnes of lignite coal, catapulting it into the ranks of the world’s largest coal-bearing territories. The region is now hailed internationally as a Global Lignite Hub. The coal from Thar fuels energy projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), operating in a public-private symphony powered by Chinese enterprise and Pakistani soil.

Sindh’s wealth is not limited to coal. Gypsum, mined extensively in Dadu and Jamshoro, undergirds the construction industry. Nooriabad and Thatta house vast deposits of limestone and stone—crucial ingredients for cement production. Intriguingly, recent geological surveys hint at the presence of gold in Nagarparkar, though details remain cloaked in state secrecy. What is well known, however, is the ongoing extraction of pink and white granite, stones that adorn high-end architectural spaces and global showrooms alike.

The Mari Gas Fields continue to fortify Sindh’s role as a self-sustaining energy province. But where Sindh boasts breadth, Balochistan commands depth.

Frequently described as Pakistan’s “mineral heartland”, Baluchistan’s rugged landscape conceals beneath it one of the greatest hidden treasures of modern geology. Unsurprisingly, these mineral riches have attracted not only corporate interest, but also the nefarious gaze of hostile actors. Conflict and sabotage are but tools in the hands of those who seek to destabilise the region and thus paralyse national progress.

Among Baluchistan’s crown jewels lies the Reko Diq Project—a staggering repository of gold and copper. As per the 2022 agreement, 50% of the stakes belong to Canadian giant Barrick Gold, while 25% each are held by the provincial and federal governments. The site boasts 5.41 million ounces of gold, alongside one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits—over 41.5 billion pounds of copper, with annual production projected at 400,000 tonnes of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold. The initial investment, set to exceed $5.5 billion, signals Barrick’s long-term commitment, with operations expected to commence by 2028.

This project was once embroiled in legal turmoil, resulting in an international arbitration and a hefty fine levied against Pakistan. It was only through deft negotiation by the current government that the crisis was defused and a new pathway charted. According to the Ministry of Petroleum, Pakistan currently extracts a modest 1.5 to 2 tonnes of gold annually—a figure that could swell to 8–10 tonnes with Reko Diq’s full activation.

The Chagai region, often romanticised as “The Sleeping Giant”, is yet another trove awaiting its reckoning. Situated in Pakistan’s western frontier, Chagai houses what may well become one of the largest repositories of copper and gold on the planet. Exploratory committees are still calculating its true measure. Meanwhile, Koh-i-Dalil and Khuzdar offer promising indicators of lithium and rare earth minerals—the very elements that fuel the technologies of tomorrow.

Balochistan’s expanse—from Khuzdar to Kalat, from Mastung to Lasbela—teems with deposits of barite, fluorite, lithium, zinc, lead, and chromite. Coal fields in Mach, Duki, and Khost support local industries, while the Saindak project, initiated under Chinese stewardship in 1973, has already begun to process hundreds of millions of tonnes of ore.

Yet, as always, geopolitics casts a long and troubled shadow. India, through covert operatives and foreign patronage, has sought to ferment unrest in mineral-rich regions—employing misinformation, terror, and tribal subversion to discourage foreign investment. In this dangerous theatre, Pakistan’s armed forces remain the bulwark, standing firm against disorder.

Still, structural impediments within our own corridors of power remain equally perilous. Bureaucratic red tape, local grievances, and institutional opacity continue to hamper development. If Pakistan is to awaken this sleeping leviathan of economic renewal, it must begin not only with security, but with reform, transparency, and trust.

A Nation Mined in Promise: Pakistan’s Hidden Sovereigns Beneath the Soil In the sun-scorched valleys of Chagai, where the sands whisper secrets older than the empires that once walked them, a new revelation has stirred the silence. According to a recent proclamation by National Resources Limited, the region of Tanggor may hold within its bosom yet another treasure: untapped reserves of gold and copper. Should this find be pursued with the sobriety it demands, it may open a new chapter beyond the already storied Reko Diq and Saindak — monuments not merely of mineral wealth, but of national potential still yearning to be actualised.
Yet the tale does not end in Balochistan alone. The northern highlands of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — already famed for their rugged beauty and indomitable spirit — conceal beneath their mountains a different kind of magnificence: that of stones born not for walls, but for crowns. The emeralds of Swat, rubies from Hunza, topaz in Mardan’s bosom, aquamarine from Chitral, the sapphire blush of Neelum Valley, and the green gleam of peridot in Kohistan — these are not mere commodities, but fragments of a land’s splendour that gleam with global esteem.

Indeed, global markets have long since turned a covetous eye towards Pakistan’s forgotten jewels. Billions of dollars’ worth of gemstones and untapped energy lie dormant, as if awaiting a sovereign hand to awaken their promise. Even the sands of Swat and Chitral now murmur of placer gold, where particles of sun-like metal nestle within the riverbeds. In these scattered grains lie dreams — not of alchemy, but of sovereignty over our economic fate.

The Geological Survey of Pakistan has undertaken significant geochemical and geophysical assessments across Darband, Mansehra, and the wider tribal frontiers. Their findings speak not of speculation, but of certainty: chromite in Mohmand and Waziristan, phosphates in Hazara, soapstone in Malakand and Haripur, natural gas in Kohat and Hangu — all echoing the same truth. This land is not barren; it is boundless.

White marble, the kind that adorned Mughal palaces and Roman courts alike, flows from the quarries of Mohmand and Swat — its “Ziarat White” variant already gracing international markets. Thousands now owe their livelihood to this rebirth of quarry and craft, polishing not just stone, but national pride.

In the domain of energy, too, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has answered the call. North Waziristan now yields 70 million cubic feet of gas and over 300 barrels of condensate per day under the banner of Mari Petroleum — a silent yet resolute stride towards energy independence. And far from our shores, in the depths of the Arabian Sea, a new chapter in hydrocarbon exploration begins in tandem with Turkey — a union of strategy and spirit.

Let us now descend into the crucible of Punjab, where beneath its fertile plains lies another trove — not of grain, but of fire and stone. The Salt Range, with Khewra’s resplendent pink crystals, ranks among the world’s largest natural salt repositories. But salt is but a whisper of the mineral strength harboured within Punjab. Coal, iron, limestone — the very foundation of any aspiring industrial state — await their hour.

The saga of Chiniot looms large. As early as 2015, Chinese geologists uncovered vast deposits of high-grade iron, while murmurs of copper — and by association, gold — stirred the hopes of a nation. Then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, standing upon the soil of Chiniot, declared the dawn of economic transformation. And yet — as with so many promises in our political theatre — the declaration galloped, while the implementation limped.

As of November 2024, Dr Samar Mubarakmand, chairman of the Punjab Mineral Company, unveiled the culmination of six years of exploration: over 261 million tonnes of iron ore and 36.5 million tonnes of copper lie in wait. With the proposed establishment of a local steel mill and copper refinery, projections estimate 4.5 million tonnes of 99.6% pure iron and 150,000 tonnes of refined copper annually. Yet, conspicuously absent from these findings is gold — that most seductive of metals whose whisper can turn strategy into obsession.

Still, hope springs anew. In Attock, where the Indus meets the Kabul, tales abound of native prospectors, sieving riverbeds for gold with unyielding resolve. 2.8 million tolas — worth over Rs. 700 billion — are rumoured to lie within a mere 32-kilometre stretch, according to Punjab’s Minister for Minerals. Whether this claim will mature into policy or dissipate into political vapour remains the lingering question.

But the broader truth is plain: beneath Pakistan’s rugged surface lies not merely wealth, but sovereignty waiting to be unearthed. The question is no longer whether we possess riches, but whether we possess the will, the vision, and the transparency to harness them for our people — not as plunder for the privileged, but as patrimony for the populace.

The annals of history will not remember what lay buried. They shall remember what we unearthed — and how nobly we did it.

In times past, ambitious projects such as the Saindak and Reko Diq ventures have been delayed for a variety of technical and financial reasons. The hesitation of foreign investors, particularly due to legal disputes, has proven to be a significant hindrance in the development process.

Furthermore, safeguarding the environmental and local community rights during mining and excavation activities remains a persistent challenge. While claims are often made in the media, the actual execution of these ventures, along with independent audits or detailed reports, remains notably lacking.

The northern regions of Pakistan — areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, and Upper Dir — are of considerable significance with regard to their gold reserves. Various geological experts have conducted investigations into the presence of gold in these areas. According to experts in the field of geology, gold is primarily found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are abundant in these northern regions of Pakistan. One renowned professor of geology stated that there is a strong possibility of gold deposits in the Gilgit, Hunza, and Ghizer regions. Additionally, it is well known that the region stretching from Upper Dir to Chitral is rich in copper, with gold often found as an associated metal alongside copper deposits.

Experts further clarified that as gold flows from the mountainous regions through rivers, it carries with it small particles of gold found within the rocks. As the river enters the plains, its velocity decreases, causing the gold particles to settle at the riverbed, thus forming these deposits. This form of gold is known as placer gold. Placer gold reserves have been identified at various points from the northern regions of the Indus River to Attock, where locals continue their attempts to extract the gold. However, these reserves are not in sufficient quantities to make large-scale commercial exploitation viable.

Recently, the government of Pakistan made a claim regarding these minerals, asserting that the mineral sector of the country is valued at trillions of dollars. On the occasion of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, high-level delegations from over 20 countries, including the USA, China, and Saudi Arabia, participated, marking a new chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward national self-reliance. This initiative has now garnered the attention of global giants like Barrick Gold, Rio Tinto, and BHP Billiton, who have expressed interest in these vast reserves.

It is now essential that Pakistan reassess the obstacles that may impede foreign investment, particularly in light of the need to strengthen internal security. Regrettably, due to political disagreements over the Mines and Minerals Bill, coupled with tensions surrounding the powers of local and federal governments, progress has been unduly delayed. This situation calls for urgent action to resolve these issues, as the debt-laden economy remains a perpetual threat to national security. Immediate attention must be directed towards overcoming these obstacles to unlock the potential of these resources.

Given the rising global demand for minerals like copper and lithium, particularly in batteries, electric vehicles, green technology, and the defence sector, there exists ample opportunity for foreign investment in Pakistan’s resources. To encourage interest from Saudi, Chinese, Canadian, and Turkish companies, it is proposed that a dedicated desk be established to provide prompt and decisive responses to foreign investors. With increasing global interest in Pakistani minerals, it is equally important to address the concerns and uncertainties surrounding these investments.

A senior official from the U.S. State Department, Eric Meyer, has indicated the possibility of U.S. investment in Pakistan. He noted that under President Trump, securing reliable and safe mineral sources became a strategic priority for the United States. The U.S. Embassy has expressed a desire to partner with Pakistan in the realms of investment, technical cooperation, and the responsible management of resources. Access to rare earth minerals like lithium and neodymium is a central element of the U.S. strategy, as they seek to reduce reliance on China and bolster countries like Pakistan as alternative sources of these crucial materials.

In light of the Minerals Investment Conference 2025, over 10 MoUs were signed, including one by a Canadian company involved in the Reko Diq project, which is attempting to secure $2 billion in funding. Furthermore, China remains an integral partner in the Belt and Road Initiative.

However, Pakistan’s failure to fully capitalize on its natural resources can be attributed to several causes. Immediate attention must be given to resolving the challenges and roadblocks impeding progress. A study of international laws should be conducted to devise a coherent strategy to address bureaucratic bottlenecks. The complex approval processes must be reviewed and simplified. Moreover, foreign investors’ concerns regarding a lack of transparency must be acknowledged and acted upon.

Instability in regions like Balochistan and Waziristan — compounded by security concerns — remains a critical issue, and solutions must be crafted that align with ground realities. Additionally, to ensure the success of any project, it is paramount that the local populations are involved and their rights upheld. Addressing grievances regarding their fair share of employment, land, or profits from these mineral resources is an essential component of any sustainable development strategy.

The political neglect surrounding these issues must be tackled with mature political foresight, ensuring that political continuity is established to avoid the disruption of vital projects. Political stability must be achieved through dialogue, reconciliation, and a commitment to peaceful cooperation.

Regarding the Sindh region, which is emerging as a hub for mineral and energy resources, special attention must be given to the challenges surrounding Thar. The environmental impact of coal mining, including pollution and concerns over public health, needs to be addressed. Moreover, the local community’s dissatisfaction with their limited access to employment, land, and profits should be resolved to ensure equitable benefits. The issue of water scarcity, compounded by the use of water in coal extraction, must also be carefully examined.

The path to success lies in removing legal and administrative barriers, establishing a clear framework for investment, and tackling corruption and mismanagement in projects like Saindak. Provincial and political conflicts must be swiftly resolved to ensure that new mining legislation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is brought into alignment with the broader national agenda. A concerted effort must be made to ensure that all regions — from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — work in harmony for the prosperity of the nation.

In order to quell the insurgency in Balochistan, counter terrorism in the northern regions, and alleviate the security concerns of investors, it is imperative that a comprehensive set of policies be declared in advance with the collaboration of the provincial governments. Furthermore, the costs incurred for implementing these measures should be supported by the provinces. The local populations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are demanding a share in the profits from transparent agreements, along with the safeguarding of their lands and culture; their legitimate demands must be duly acknowledged.

The establishment of institutions such as the “SIFC” (a fast-track decision-making platform) is a welcome development, but it is essential to address any concerns regarding provincial autonomy through dialogue. In this regard, General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, has reassured investors by committing to provide them with full security and declaring Pakistan as a trustworthy partner. A robust security framework will be assured.

At this juncture, I wish to draw the attention of the powers that be to another national treasure, one that has been grievously neglected for the past seven decades, causing the country millions of dollars in losses. This issue is not only critical to Pakistan’s economy but also to the protection of its cultural heritage and natural resources. The sale of Pakistan’s “Himalayan Pink Salt” by India under the name “Indian Himalayan Salt” in the global market is an example of commercial cunning and misrepresentation, designed to exploit Pakistan’s natural wealth for India’s benefit.

It must be remembered that this salt is exclusively sourced from the Khewra mines in Jhelum District, which happens to be the second-largest salt mine in the world. Pakistan is a major exporter of this salt, yet it is often shipped without proper branding or labelling, allowing other nations, particularly India, to repackage it, attach their own name, and market it as their own. India, under the label of “Himalayan Pink Salt,” is marketing this salt, despite it having no provenance in India whatsoever.

To address this issue, the government of Pakistan must take immediate action on the following fronts:
1- Geographical Indication (GI) Registration: Pakistan must urgently seek GI Tag registration for its pink salt, just as it did for Basmati rice, securing its rightful place in European markets. A GI Tag grants legal recognition to unique products originating from a specific region, ensuring global acknowledgment of their origin and authenticity.
2- International Legal Action: A case should be filed in global institutions like the WTO (World Trade Organization) and WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) to challenge India’s false labelling, akin to Pakistan’s successful legal battle over Basmati rice in the European Union.
3- Policy Review on Salt Exports: A policy should be established mandating that salt be properly labelled, branded, and packaged before export, with mandatory labels such as “Khewra Origin” and “Made in Pakistan.”
4- Public and Diplomatic Campaign: The government should initiate a worldwide public and diplomatic campaign through its embassies, emphasising that this salt is uniquely sourced from Pakistan. International trade fairs, exhibitions, and media outlets should be used to promote its authenticity.
5- Support for Local Industry: Subsidies and training should be provided to local manufacturers to enable them to process, package, and brand the salt to meet international standards.

India’s attempt to claim Basmati rice as its own in the European Union serves as a parallel example. Through effective legal arguments and historical evidence, Pakistan successfully asserted its rights over Basmati, prompting the EU to recognise it as a Pakistani product and forbidding India from using the “Basmati” label for any of its rice. Similarly, Pakistan’s claim over its Himalayan salt is even more robust due to its historical, geographical, and legal justification.

If the government gives serious attention to this issue, it will not only strengthen Pakistan’s identity in the global market but also generate much-needed foreign exchange for the country.
Remember, Pakistan is a country rich in mineral resources, yet administrative, political, and security obstacles have hindered its ability to convert this wealth into national prosperity.

Overcoming these challenges could catapult Pakistan’s economy to new heights within a few short years. The country is not lacking in valuable mineral resources, but failing to capitalise on them is indeed a tragedy. Without transparent policies, collaborative development, and security restoration, these resources will remain dormant, like sleeping giants.

However, with political and administrative stability, transparent laws, local partnerships, and global-standard planning, these resources can significantly boost the nation’s economy. By gaining the trust of the local population, providing a conducive environment for foreign investors, and reinforcing political will, Pakistan can transform the wealth garnered from its minerals into a new era of economic prosperity.

The discovery of iron and copper reserves in Chiniot represents a significant step for Pakistan, while the presence of gold deposits in the northern regions further proves that the country is endowed with substantial mineral wealth. However, in order to fully exploit these reserves, the government requires a strong strategy and international cooperation to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global mining industry.

The recent claim of gold presence in Attock is an encouraging development, yet it remains nothing more than a hypothesis until the full geological verification, commercial valuation, and establishment of mining infrastructure are carried out.

What is clear, however, is that Pakistan holds vast potential in gold, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. To capitalise on these reserves, the government must pursue a transparent strategy, modern technology, and trusted global partnerships. Pakistan has the potential to become a major force in the global mineral sector. Yet, this potential can only be realised if we recognise the challenges at hand and engage in serious reforms, local partnerships, and create a secure environment for international investment.

A transparent investment framework must be created that guarantees local rights. Security and governance need to be enhanced, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. National policies for energy and strategic minerals must be formulated. Mineral Economic Zones should be activated and empowered. Coordination in legislation must be established to ensure that both the federal and provincial governments are aligned.

Various important claims and investigations have been made regarding Pakistan’s mineral reserves, including the 2015 announcement of iron and copper deposits in Chiniot and potential gold reserves in the northern regions. I have outlined these reserves, along with the challenges of bureaucracy and other institutional performances, in the report on minerals across Pakistan. I urge those in power to pay heed to the plight of this impoverished, debt-ridden nation and recognise that it is not mere golden promises that are needed, but urgent and practical action.

Epilogue
In the crucible of resource and resolve, Pakistan stands at a pivotal threshold. Beneath its mountains lie not just ores, but opportunities. Within its valleys, not just coal, but catalysts for change. It is not merely a matter of mining minerals—it is a matter of mining destiny.
Sunday 27 April 2025