Islamabad: The Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025 commenced in Islamabad today, with an agenda set to explore the promising yet untapped potential of the Reko Diq mining project. The forum, backed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), features key ministerial sessions and expert discussions aimed at fostering investment in the mineral sector.

The forum’s proceedings will include insights from Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, Mikayil Jabbarov, US Official Eric Meyers, and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Abdullah. These sessions are expected to set the stage for the detailed discussions on Reko Diq, scheduled for tomorrow.

Julian Kettle of Wood Mackenzie is slated to present a paper on global commodity trends, providing a backdrop for subsequent discussions. Barrick Gold’s CEO, Mark Bristow, will address the forum, focusing specifically on the future prospects of Reko Diq, a project deemed critical for Pakistan’s mineral industry.

The discussions will bring together a panel of experts, including Shen Shaoyang from Zijin Mining, Syed Basar Shabbir from IHC, and Mohammad Ali Taba. Their focus will be on strategies to harness Reko Diq’s potential, which remains largely unexplored.

In addition, Abdullah from the Saudi Geological Survey will lead a session on geological mapping, aiming to enhance understanding of the region’s mineral wealth. Other experts will contribute insights on global surveying practices and potential mineral policy reforms, emphasizing the importance of integrating international standards into Pakistan’s mineral exploration efforts.