Pakistan, Australia explore cooperation in mining and gemstones

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Tuesday held a meeting with the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors.
The minister welcomed the strong interest of Australian companies in Pakistan’s mining sector and highlighted the country’s vast untapped mineral potential, particularly in the Tethyan Belt. He proposed the possibility of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Pakistan and Australia to promote structured and long-term cooperation in the mining sector.
Ali Pervaiz Malik also underscored the government’s efforts to develop and formalise the gemstones sector, emphasising its potential for value addition, export growth and employment generation.
The Australian High Commissioner noted that Australian companies are already actively involved in the Reko Diq project, with additional firms showing keen interest in joining the initiative. He said Australian companies would be encouraged to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) and expressed hope for a strong Australian presence at the event.
Highlighting the growing global importance of copper and gold in the energy transition, the High Commissioner observed that Pakistan’s mining sector has attracted significant international attention. He expressed optimism about collaboration in the gemstones sector through knowledge exchange, training and technical assistance.
The federal minister appreciated Australia’s willingness to support Pakistan in formalising its mineral sector, describing such cooperation as timely and reassuring. He recalled his recent visit to Australia for the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), during which productive discussions were held with leading and junior Australian mining companies on investment and cooperation opportunities in Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Australia cooperation in the mining and gemstones sectors for mutual benefit. Ends