Pakistan, Australia agree to boost cooperation in mining, gemstones sectors

Pakistan and Australia on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors, with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik saying the Reko Diq project would serve as a standard-setter for the country’s mineral industry and open new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, in which both sides discussed prospects for enhancing long-term cooperation in mining and gemstones.

Welcoming the growing interest of Australian companies in Pakistan’s mineral sector, Malik highlighted the country’s vast untapped mineral potential, particularly along the Tethyan Belt. He also proposed the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Pakistan and Australia to ensure structured and sustained cooperation in the mining industry.

The minister underscored the government’s efforts to develop and formalise the gemstones sector, noting its strong potential for value addition, export growth, and employment generation.

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High Commissioner Kane said Australian companies were already actively involved in the Reko Diq project, while several others had expressed keen interest in participating. He added that Australian firms would be encouraged to take part in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), expressing hope for a strong Australian presence at the event.

Referring to rising global demand for copper and gold amid the ongoing energy transition, the envoy noted that Pakistan’s mining sector had attracted considerable international attention. He also expressed optimism about collaboration in the gemstones sector through knowledge-sharing, training programmes, and technical assistance.

Malik appreciated Australia’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to formalise its mineral sector, calling the cooperation timely and reassuring. He also recalled his recent visit to Australia for the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), where he held discussions with leading and junior Australian mining companies on investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Australia cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors for mutual economic benefit.