Pakistan seeks US investment in Balochistan minerals

Pakistan seeks US investment in Balochistan minerals

Pakistan will host the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) on November 12-13 as the government steps up efforts to attract American investment in Balochistan’s mineral resources despite ongoing security challenges.

The forum was initially scheduled for April 8-9 in Islamabad but was postponed. At the previous edition, the United States and its allies played a prominent role, while Chinese participation remained relatively limited. Organisers later held a separate event to engage Chinese investors.

Pakistan is now looking to Washington to take the lead in developing Balochistan’s mining sector. However, no US company currently operates in the province, while security concerns have also affected major mining projects. Canadian firm Barrick Gold previously delayed work on the Reko Diq copper and gold project following the outbreak of the US-Iran war.

The previous Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum attracted around 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries. Participants signed 16 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), while the event featured 18 panel discussions on investment opportunities and the development of Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Washington has already taken a significant step towards supporting the sector. In December 2025, the US Export-Import Bank approved $1.25 billion in financing for the Reko Diq project. According to the US Embassy, the financing could unlock up to $2 billion in American mining equipment and services exports and support approximately 13,500 jobs across both countries.

Once operational, Reko Diq is projected to generate $2.8 billion in exports during its first year of shipments, highlighting its potential to strengthen Pakistan’s export earnings and attract further foreign investment.

Pakistan has also pursued cooperation with US companies in critical minerals. On September 8, 2025, the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and Missouri-based US Strategic Metals (USSM) signed two MoUs covering critical mineral development and processing, including rare-earth elements, as well as logistics services.

The agreements established a framework for cooperation in minerals considered essential to the defence, aerospace and technology industries.

With PMIF26 approaching, Islamabad hopes to translate these initiatives into greater American participation in Balochistan’s mineral sector, although security concerns remain a major challenge to attracting long-term investment.