Islamabad: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker emphasized the immense potential of Pakistan’s critical minerals sector and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to promoting bilateral investment. Joined by Pakistan’s Minister of Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior mining officials, the event aimed to attract American companies to participate in the country’s evolving mining landscape.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker underscored the growing potential for American investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector during a Direct Line webinar hosted at the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) headquarters in Islamabad. The event brought together U.S. business representatives, Pakistani government officials, and industry leaders to explore collaborative opportunities in mining and mineral development.
Addressing the forum, CDA Baker highlighted the strategic significance of minerals such as copper, gold, lithium, and antimony within Pakistan’s resource-rich geological landscape. “The United States and Pakistan share a long history of economic partnership, and today we are exploring new frontiers for growth, innovation, and prosperity in the critical minerals sector,” she stated.
Joined by Pakistan’s Minister of Energy, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior officials from the Minerals Wing and top mining companies, the webinar provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s strategy to modernize its mining sector. Reforms aimed at improving the business climate for foreign investors were also discussed, with emphasis on regulatory facilitation, transparency, and infrastructure support.
One of the centerpiece examples presented was the Reko Diq copper and gold project in Balochistan. Baker noted its origins in a U.S.-Pakistan geological survey dating back to 1961, and praised it as a model of enduring cooperation. “Reko Diq is expected to generate nearly $1 billion in U.S. exports and over $75 billion in profits during its lifespan. This project showcases the scale of opportunity available to American companies,” she said. The U.S. Mission in Pakistan, according to Baker, is committed to supporting American investors with market entry, regulatory navigation, and partnership building. “We are here to help U.S. businesses succeed—whether through our Embassy in Islamabad, Consulates, or experts from the Department of Commerce,” she assured participants.
Highlighting emerging prospects, Baker revealed that Pakistan’s mining companies are exploring new license areas near Reko Diq and in other regions rich in copper, gold, and antimony. These ventures, she said, demand world-class services in geophysical surveying, engineering, infrastructure, and equipment supply—areas where American firms are globally competitive.
Minister Malik and other panelists provided further insights into Pakistan’s long-term mining strategy and invited American companies to actively pursue investment opportunities. The session concluded with a Q&A, enabling direct interaction between U.S. businesses and Pakistani stakeholders.
“This is just the beginning,” Baker said in closing. “With sustained engagement, we can unlock Pakistan’s mineral wealth while opening doors for American innovation and enterprise. The potential for shared success is truly boundless.
