By Ayesha Saba
ISLAMABAD, Oct 24 (Wealth Pakistan) — Pakistan is taking major steps to expand mineral cooperation with China. The country is preparing for a $5.7 billion copper and mining investment in Balochistan and plans to build a Non-Ferrous Metals Industrial Park in Gwadar.
Pakistan mission in Beijing promotes mining ties
Documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that the Pakistan Mission in Beijing is actively promoting mineral-sector exports. It is connecting local companies with leading Chinese investors and arranging meetings between Mohammad Dada Mining, Wah Nobel Group, and potential partners from China.
The mission has also drafted a new Copper and Mining Investment Policy and prepared marketing material to showcase Pakistan’s potential in iron, steel, and copper.
Strategic partnership with Chinese companies
A key development is the proposed Strategic Cooperation Agreement by the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC). The agreement brings together MCC, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), and the Gwadar Free Zone Company Limited (GFZL).
Its objective is to advance the “South Port, North Mine” plan and accelerate work on the Gwadar Non-Ferrous Metals Industrial Park. The project will expand Pakistan’s mineral-refining capacity and increase export earnings through value-added production.
MoUs for copper exploration in Balochistan
Three Memoranda of Understanding have been shared with MCC for copper exploration and refinery development in Chaghi District, Balochistan. The plan, valued at $5.7 billion, is expected to generate about $6 billion in annual output, highlighting the sector’s potential for long-term growth.
The MoUs involve Siakoh Minerals Development (SMC-Private) Limited, Mari Mining Company Private Limited, and the Government of Balochistan, working in partnership with MCC Tongsin Resource Limited.
China’s growing demand for copper
China remains the world’s largest copper importer, driven by rapid industrial expansion. Its growing demand stems from the development of infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable-energy technologies such as solar panels. This provides Pakistan with a stable and profitable export market for copper and related minerals.
Developing downstream mineral industries
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce, together with other government departments, is working to develop downstream processing industries for minerals such as copper, marble, and granite.
The ministry is also engaging Saudi investors under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to establish copper refineries and modern processing units in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These projects will help Pakistan produce copper rods, bars, and alloys, improving value addition and export income.
Copper exports remain a strategic priority
In 2025, Pakistan’s total copper exports stood at $1.06 billion, including both refined and unrefined products. Although exports dipped slightly, the sector remains central to Pakistan’s mining-led investment agenda under the SIFC.
Analysts say that Pakistan China mineral cooperation will continue to drive growth in mining, refining, and export-oriented industries, positioning the country as a future supplier of key minerals to global markets.