Experts call for responsible mining to unlock minerals economy

KARACHI: Pakistan must adopt responsible mining practices if it is to unlock a new minerals-driven economy, experts said at a webinar hosted by Renewables First on ‘Building Pakistan’s Mineral Economy’.

With momentum building in the sector following the Reko Diq project and the government’s push for resource-led growth, the discussion focused on reforms, investment barriers and responsible standards that could draw international capital into mining.

The session was moderated by Senior Adviser on Critical Minerals and Energy Policy at Renewables First Dr Umer Farooq. Panellists examined fiscal frameworks, mining standards and policy harmonisation, noting that Pakistan has an opportunity to attract significant investment — provided it ensures credible data, global best practices, community engagement and clear standards for responsible mining.

Partner for Energy and Infrastructure Finance & Project Development at White & Case LLP Kamran Ahmad stressed the need for an enabling environment for global financing of mining ventures. Calling Reko Diq a “game changer”, he said: “It overlays the national laws and environmental regulations. The project being financed enables other projects to be confident they will secure funding, because the precedent has been set.”

He added that harmonisation of minerals projects had shaped provincial legislative frameworks and created a level playing field for future ventures. Addressing Pakistan’s data gap, Team Lead at the Ministry of Energy’s Minerals Cell Dr Hamid Ashraf said: “Investment attractiveness in a country is directly proportional to the completeness and the effective showcasing of geological data.” He noted that this would be a central theme at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF 2026), scheduled for April, and announced the launch of ISO-certified Geoscience Advance Research Laboratories alongside plans to identify all critical minerals in the country.

Head of Legal at the Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency Marium Khalid highlighted the importance of long-term standards, capacity building and inclusivity. She cited examples of international projects where training extended beyond engineers to include lawyers, financiers and sustainability specialists, arguing that Pakistan must adopt a similar approach. She added that meaningful community engagement at every stage of mining partnerships would be essential to secure local support and social licence.

The discussion concluded with consensus that Pakistan holds vast untapped potential. Strengthening data systems, embedding ESG practices and fostering collaboration between government, investors and communities, participants said, will be crucial if the country is to establish itself as a credible and competitive minerals economy.