Finnish technology company Metso has expressed strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s mineral sector, with a particular focus on copper mining at Reko Diq. The development followed a meeting between Piia Karhu, President of Minerals at Metso, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. According to the press statement, discussions highlighted investment opportunities, the provision of modern mining equipment, and training of local talent. Karhu outlined Metso’s intention to participate in the Reko Diq project by supplying technology and services that would contribute to the development of one of the largest underdeveloped copper-gold reserves in the world.
Kayani underscored the government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure to support the project, noting the progress on ML-1 and ML-3 railway lines. These upgrades are aimed at ensuring timely activation of the Reko Diq project, which is targeted for December 2028. Barrick Gold currently holds a 50% stake in the mine, while the government of Pakistan and the province of Balochistan hold the remaining 50%. The Reko Diq mine is expected to significantly impact the national economy once production begins, following the resolution of a long-standing dispute in 2022 that had previously stalled its progress. Kayani welcomed Metso’s plans for future participation and confirmed that further technical meetings with the Ministry of Railways would be held to move discussions forward.
Metso’s delegation, accompanied by Finland’s Ambassador to Pakistan Hannu Ripatti, also held a separate meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. Malik detailed the government’s mineral sector reforms, emphasizing Pakistan’s transition from outdated mining practices to mechanized and responsible methods. He highlighted regulatory harmonisation as part of the government’s efforts to make the mining framework more globally competitive. Referring to Reko Diq as the “torch bearer” for Pakistan’s mineral sector, Malik assured the delegation that the government was committed to ensuring a stable investment environment and enabling long-term collaboration.
Karhu confirmed that Metso is already a significant supplier of equipment and services for the Reko Diq project and shared plans to expand further into Pakistan’s mineral sector. She also reaffirmed the company’s intent to invest in human resource development by training local talent, aligning with the country’s goals of skill enhancement and sustainable development. This focus on capacity building is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to manage large-scale mining projects effectively while creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
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