Islamabad: Large deposits of antimony ore have been discovered in the province of Balochistan, paving the way for significant investment opportunities within Pakistan’s mineral sector. This development comes as part of a broader strategy by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to enhance the nation’s mineral resources.

Following the discovery, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) have crafted a detailed business plan. This plan outlines a fifty-fifty partnership between the two entities, with a joint venture announcement anticipated at the “Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025” in April.

Pakistan is also exploring the possibility of refining antimony using modern facilities in Oman, signaling a move towards international collaboration in mineral processing.

In addition to antimony, ten blocks of gold, copper, nickel, and cobalt deposits have been confirmed in Gilgit-Baltistan, further broadening Pakistan’s mineral prospects. The OGDCL and the Mineral Department are also actively pursuing the exploration of mineral deposits in Chiniot, Punjab.

Efforts are underway to align the educational curriculum with global standards to foster modern mining practices in Pakistan, highlighting the SIFC’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s mineral sector.