Pakistan is not poor — it’s poorly managed.
While the economy sinks and foreign debt piles up, trillions of dollars’ worth of minerals lie untouched beneath our soil. From the golden sands of Baluchistan to the black coal of Sindh, Pakistan is sitting on one of the world’s richest natural treasures. The question is: Will we wake up before it’s too late?
Minerals are Pakistan’s best chance at economic recovery due to the country’s vast untapped reserves of copper, gold, coal, and rare earth elements. With over $6 trillion worth of mineral resources, especially in regions like Baluchistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan has the potential to reduce its reliance on imports, boost exports, and attract foreign direct investment. Proper exploration and sustainable mining practices can generate thousands of jobs, enhance infrastructure, and significantly increase government revenue. As global demand for minerals rises—especially for green energy and tech industries—Pakistan stands at a strategic advantage. Unlocking this sector could transform Pakistan’s struggling economy into a resource-driven powerhouse, making mineral development a top priority for long-term growth and stability.
Pakistan is standing at a crossroads. With economic uncertainty, rising debt, and dwindling industries, one question echoes across boardrooms and government halls: What can save us now?
The answer lies beneath our feet — minerals. Rich, untapped, and largely ignored, Pakistan's mineral resources could become the game-changer the nation desperately needs.
Pakistan’s economy heavily depends on agriculture, textiles, and remittances. However, these sectors are no longer enough to keep pace with population growth and modern global demands. Minerals offer a new hope for:
“The wealth of a nation is not just in its people — but also in the land beneath them.” – Unknown
Pakistan has over 92 known minerals, with major reserves of coal, copper, gold, chromite, salt, gypsum, and gemstones. However, less than 50% of these resources have been explored or developed. Here is a snapshot of some key minerals:
| Mineral | Location | Estimated Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| Copper & Gold | Reko Diq, Balochistan | 5.9 billion tonnes |
| Coal | Thar Desert, Sindh | 175 billion tonnes |
| Rock Salt | Khewra Mines, Punjab | 6.7 billion tonnes |
| Gypsum | Kohat & D.G. Khan | 1.7 billion tonnes |
| Chromite | Muslim Bagh, Balochistan | Over 2 million tonnes |
| Marble | Buner, Swat, Mohmand | Large deposits, unmeasured |
(Source: Geological Survey of Pakistan)
Perhaps the brightest mineral gem in Pakistan’s crown is Reko Diq. Located in Balochistan, this site is among the world’s largest copper and gold deposits.In 2022, a $10 billion settlement allowed the government to restart the project with Barrick Gold Corporation, which is expected to generate:
Thar’s coal reserves are the seventh largest in the world. Despite criticism over environmental concerns, this low-cost fuel can help Pakistan reduce oil imports and energy bills.
“We are sitting on gold mines — literally — but treating them like sand.”
– Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Nuclear Scientist
Despite its potential, the mineral sector faces several obstacles:
These issues discourage foreign direct investment (FDI) and slow progress.
To fully benefit from minerals, Pakistan must adopt strategic reforms:
Countries like Chile and Australia have built strong economies using similar mineral-based models.
Pakistan can no longer afford to overlook this hidden treasure. With proper planning and investment, minerals can:
Minerals are not just rocks — they are Pakistan’s last hope. They offer a chance to break free from economic dependency and build a stronger, self-reliant future. It's time to dig deeper — literally and metaphorically — to unlock the riches that can change the fate of our nation.
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