Pakistan, France Sign Deal to Advance Minerals and Mining Cooperation

Pakistan and France have agreed to enhance collaboration in the minerals and mining sector, focusing on investment, exploration, and sustainable development. The agreement was reached during a high-level webinar titled “Pakistan’s Minerals Economy: Gateway to Growth,” jointly organized by the Government of Pakistan and the Embassy of France in Islamabad. Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted the vast potential of Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions, especially the Chaghi belt in Balochistan, which is home to significant reserves of copper, gold, and rare earth elements. He noted that the global shift toward green energy has made minerals like copper, lithium, and rare earth elements essential for future technologies. Malik reaffirmed the government’s commitment, through the SIFC, to providing a transparent regulatory framework and all necessary facilitation to attract international investors and foster long-term partnerships. Ambassador Galey commended Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its mining sector and expressed France’s interest in exploring sustainable mining partnerships. “France sees great potential in Pakistan’s minerals sector,” he said, adding that French companies are eager to deepen cooperation and share expertise to support sustainable growth. The event was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, with Benjamin Gallezot, Advisor to the French President on Mining, leading the French delegation online. Senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and executives from major state-owned firms, including OGDC, PPL, GHPL, and PMDC, joined French business representatives at the session.