https://sputnikglobe.com/20260619/pakistans-mineral-paradox-the-8-trillion-opportunity-that-demands-a-new-playbook-1124333158.html
Pakistan's Mineral Paradox: The $8 Trillion Opportunity That Demands a New Playbook
Pakistan's Mineral Paradox: The $8 Trillion Opportunity That Demands a New Playbook
Sputnik International
What stands between Pakistan's underground wealth and its economic future? The country holds the world's fifth-largest copper and gold reserves — yet the mineral sector contributes just 3.2% to GDP.
2026-06-19T13:20+0000
2026-06-19T13:20+0000
2026-06-19T13:45+0000
analysis
pakistan
balochistan
china-pakistan economic corridor (cpec)
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Pakistan possesses some of the world's most significant mineral deposits, including the fifth-largest copper and gold reserves, as well as high quantities of critical minerals in high global demand. Yet the sector currently contributes around 3.2% to GDP, while exports account for just 0.1% of the global total — a gap that highlights both challenges and opportunities.To realize this potential, several key measures are essential, according to Dr. Rashid:Global demand for critical minerals is rising, presenting resource-rich countries with both opportunities and challenges. For Pakistan, success will depend on regulatory frameworks, investment climate, and long-term strategic planning — precisely the areas in which, as Dr. Rashid emphasizes, targeted reforms can make the difference.
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pakistan, balochistan, china-pakistan economic corridor (cpec)
pakistan, balochistan, china-pakistan economic corridor (cpec)
Pakistan's Mineral Paradox: The $8 Trillion Opportunity That Demands a New Playbook
13:20 GMT 19.06.2026 (Updated: 13:45 GMT 19.06.2026) What stands between Pakistan's underground wealth and its economic future? The country holds the world's fifth-largest copper and gold reserves — yet the mineral sector contributes just 3.2% to GDP.
Pakistan possesses some of the world's most significant mineral deposits, including the fifth-largest copper and gold reserves, as well as high quantities of critical minerals in high global demand. Yet the sector currently contributes around 3.2% to GDP, while exports account for just 0.1% of the global total — a gap that highlights both challenges and opportunities.
"With vast untapped wealth, including the world's fifth-largest copper and gold reserves — such as the Reko Diq Project — and emerging critical minerals, this sector is estimated to be worth up to $8 trillion," says Dr. Shahid Rashid, former unit head at Engro Corporation and geopolitical observer.
To realize this potential, several key measures are essential, according to Dr. Rashid:
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) acts as a 'single window' to remove bureaucratic hurdles and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the sector
Shifting from raw ore exports to in-country refining and manufacturing in order to capture greater value
Expanding partnerships, including CPEC's growing role in copper, gold, and rare earth elements
Improving policy predictability, reducing bureaucracy, facilitating currency repatriation, and ensuring stability in regions like Balochistan
Global demand for critical minerals is rising, presenting resource-rich countries with both opportunities and challenges. For Pakistan, success will depend on regulatory frameworks, investment climate, and long-term strategic planning — precisely the areas in which, as Dr. Rashid emphasizes, targeted reforms can make the difference.
