Islamabad, April 9, 2025 — Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to collaborate on geological surveys through experience sharing and knowledge transfer, aiming to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves estimated at $6 trillion. This development was announced by Eng. Abdullah Mefter Al-Shamrani, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey, during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad.
Geological surveys, which involve mapping and analyzing Earth’s geological features, are crucial for identifying and sustainably exploiting mineral resources. Despite Pakistan’s rich reserves of minerals such as salt, copper, gold, and coal, the sector currently contributes only 3.2% to the national GDP and accounts for a mere 0.1% of global mineral exports.
“For the Saudi Geological Survey and Pakistan Geological Survey, yesterday we had a meeting, and we agreed that we will work together to share the experience, transfer the knowledge, the learning, understanding the best practices, which are going to really help both countries in moving forward,” Al-Shamrani stated. He emphasized that this cooperation would bring significant value to both nations.
The mineral summit in Islamabad saw participation from government officials and private investors from both countries, fostering discussions on potential collaborations. Al-Shamrani noted that Saudi investors expressed interest in exploring opportunities within Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Pakistan’s mineral wealth includes one of the world’s largest porphyry copper-gold mineral zones, notably the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, with estimated reserves of 5.9 billion tons of ore grading 0.41% copper and gold reserves of 41.5 million ounces. The partnership aims to leverage these resources for mutual economic growth.
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