June 19, 2025: Pakistan’s critical minerals are now under global focus following the high-level meeting between COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir and U.S. President Donald Trump. During the White House talks, both sides discussed cooperation in trade, mining, energy, and emerging technologies.
As a result, the country’s long-overlooked mineral assets are receiving renewed international interest. For years, Pakistan’s reserves remained underutilized due to instability, lack of investment, and policy challenges. However, this recent dialogue signals a possible shift.
Pakistan holds vast reserves of copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, chromite, and antimony. These minerals are essential for global industries, including electric vehicles, clean energy, semiconductors, and defense systems. Therefore, Pakistan’s mineral wealth gives it strategic importance on the world stage.
Furthermore, global competition over mineral access is intensifying. The U.S. and its allies are actively seeking to reduce dependence on China. In this context, Pakistan’s potential is both economic and geopolitical.
Reko Diq and Beyond: Unlocking Pakistan’s Minerals Potential
One of the most valuable mineral sites is Reko Diq in Balochistan. This massive copper-gold deposit ranks among the largest in the world. Experts estimate it contains over 5.9 billion tons of ore, valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
In addition, regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan hold significant quantities of rare earths and other industrial minerals. Yet, without modern infrastructure or transparent investment mechanisms, these regions remain untapped.
Now, momentum is building. The U.S. is increasingly exploring alternative mineral sources. Hence, Pakistan could benefit from a strong, mutually beneficial partnership. Still, success will depend on strong governance, environmental protection, and fair agreements.
Moreover, interest from countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey places Islamabad in a strong bargaining position. By diversifying partners and insisting on fair terms, Pakistan can turn mineral wealth into sustainable growth.
Conclusion: Time to Act on Strategic Assets
The Munir-Trump meeting marks more than a diplomatic exchange. It brings Pakistan’s critical minerals into the heart of global conversations. Clearly, the opportunity is real. However, only timely action, smart policy, and transparent governance will turn this potential into lasting national gains. The window is open—Pakistan must move now.
