Riyadh: At the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Pakistan made a significant impact, showcasing its vast untapped mineral wealth and positioning itself as a global mining powerhouse. The event featured the screening of ‘Beneath the Surface: Pakistan’s Mining Renaissance’, a film highlighting the country’s abundant reserves of gemstones, non-metallic minerals, industrial minerals, metals, and rare-earth elements.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, the session continued with a high-profile panel discussion titled ‘Pakistan: The Mineral Marvel – Unlocking the Future of Mining’, moderated by Mr. Imran Abbasy, Managing Director of Pakistan Petroleum Limited. The panel included Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister of Petroleum and Water Resources; Timothy Cribb, Project Director at Barrick, Reko Diq; and Mr. Asad Ahmed, Managing Director of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation. Dr. Malik emphasized the government’s focus on policy reforms and alignment with global shifts toward green energy.

The Pakistan Pavilion attracted over 10,000 delegates, with representatives from the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector engaging with investors and experts. The event marked a milestone with the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding between Wah Nobel Group and Saudi Gold Refinery, enabling Wah Nobel to provide services to enhance mining operations in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Malik also held meetings at the Pakistan Pavilion, engaging US-based company delegates and using a 3D mineral map to illustrate Pakistan’s mining potential. During the closing ceremony, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources H.E. Mr. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef praised the design of the pavilion, which effectively showcased Pakistan’s mining industry.

Pakistan’s participation at the forum attracted significant attention, fostering collaborations and enhancing the country’s profile as a leading mining destination.