Pakistan aims for $8bn mineral exports, ICMA estimates

ICMA puts mineral reserves at about $8 trillion across some 600,000 sq km, yet mining still contributes under 3% of GDP as Islamabad courts investors.

ICMA estimates mineral exports could rise from about $3 billion a year to $8 billion with better governance and security.

Some 92 minerals have been identified in Pakistan; 52 are already extracted commercially.

Reserves are put at roughly $8 trillion across about 600,000 square kilometres, while mining contributes under 3% of GDP.

Reko Diq’s first phase is expected to start production by end-2028, with about 240,000 tonnes of copper and 297,000 ounces of gold a year.

The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is set for 12–13 November at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

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