Pakistan’s mining sector is in relation to change, which is likely to increase the current income from $ 2 billion to $ 8 billion in 2030, if the country has the opportunity to tap its solid reserves.
In his keynote address at the Natural Resources and Energy Summit 2025 held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi, National Resources Limited (NRL) CEO Shamsuddin A. Sheikh delivered the central message.
Sheikh said:
Pakistan’s mining sector barely contributes to 0.15 % of global mineral production and only 2-3 % of the national GDP, yet we sit on the world’s richest mineral belt. Of the 92 leading minerals, about 90 % are uncommon. If we fail to move forward, other people will move forward. It is time to guide Pakistani companies and investors through joint ventures and partnerships, which will create wealth and jobs at home.
He highlighted the major plans that are already in motion, including the Rico Deck, which can produce 4-5 billion annually, Sei Deck (-2 1-2 billion), Thar Coal Extension ($ 200 million), and Barright, lead, and zinc projects ($ 100 million). These developments are expected to increase the annual income of billions of dollars in the next five years. Beyond 2030, the search for more copper and gold in the Chagai region may increase by $ 5-10 billion annually.
Sheikh stressed that responsible mining can not only provide economic benefits but also to social development, which can lead to jobs, housing, health and education to the poorer areas.
Other speakers in the summit echoed the vision. Hassan R Mohammadi, Founder and Director of Federation Insurance Brokers Private. Ltd. described mining and energy sectors as “development engines that can create jobs, increase energy safety, and gain foreign exchange.” He emphasized that the insurance sector is ready to help investors with a risk solution, which encourages both foreign and local participation.
Khurram Ali Khan, CEO or Federation Insurance Brokers Private. Limited emphasized the role of insurance in maintaining billions of dollars in plans. “In an unstable environment, insurance provides security, which continues to mobilize projects and confidence in investors,” he said.
Lucky Cement and Lucky Corps Industries Chairman Mohammad Sohail Tabba pointed to the wider social and economic benefits of mining. He noted:
The rural provinces of Pakistan have immense potential. The development of these resources, while investing in the construction of education and capacity simultaneously, can bring prosperity, stability and peace throughout the regions.
Speakers also warned that the capacity of this sector could be reduced, without parallel investment in governance, regulation, and human resource development. From conflicting policies to climate -related risks, cautious management requires, in which technology and innovation play a central role.
Natural Resources and Energy Summit 2025, the 3rd -“Power Development: Risk, Flexibility, and Innovation in Energy and Emerging Resources,” together with policy makers, investors, CEOs, insurance companies and international experts. The dialogue focuses on how mining and energy can become the main pillar of Pakistan’s economic future, which supports the adoption of modern technologies such as the special mechanism of insurance mechanisms and artificial intelligence.
Along with Pakistan, experts described as “rush of minerals”, Sheikh called on both the government and the industry to work decisively. He concluded, “This is the moment of Pakistan.” “If we align the policies, mobilize local investors, and unlock our mineral wealth with responsibility, then mining can become more than 10 billion industries that strengthen the nation with development, stability and pride.”