Islamabad (TDI): Australia has shown interest in partnering with Pakistan to develop its underutilized mining sector, proposing joint ventures that include investment, technology transfer, and skill-building initiatives.
The proposal was made during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins in Islamabad, on Monday.
The Australian envoy mentioned that Australian mining companies are keenly interested in Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions and suggested collaboration between Australian universities, mining companies, and Pakistani institutions to introduce specialized training programs in modern mining techniques to strengthen local expertise.
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Neil Hawkins, today at the Ministry of Petroleum. The discussions centered on expanding bilateral cooperation in energy and mining sector. pic.twitter.com/WSXpYGNs9u
— Petroleum Division, Ministry of Energy (@Official_PetDiv) July 21, 2025
High Commissioner Hawkins also acknowledged Pakistan’s recent economic improvements, saying that current account surplus and eased repatriation policies have restored the confidence of multinational companies in the country.
Minister Malik welcomed the proposal, saying Pakistan values Australia’s advanced mining capabilities and technical knowledge. “We welcome partnerships that build local capacity and attract investment in our mineral and energy sectors,” he said.
Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and explore joint ventures in energy and mining for mutual economic growth.
Pakistan is rich with minerals, including copper, gold, coal, salt, gypsum, and precious stones. However, the mining sector of Pakistan remains underdeveloped due to the use of outdated technology, absence of investments, and regulatory issues.
Read More: Australia Empowers Pakistani Youth Through Scholarships: Hawkins
Considering Pakistan’s mining potential, the government is making initiatives to draw foreign investments and promote mining operations via public-private partnerships.
On the other hand, Australia is one of the world’s leading mining countries with a high-tech exploration and extraction technology
The mining industry of Australia is a major contributor to its economy by exporting a high volume of iron ore, coal, gold, and significant minerals that are essential to world industries.
Australian firms are also known to be world leaders in mining education, environmental protection, and innovation, industries which can be of immense value to Pakistan through cooperation.
The proposed partnership presents Pakistan with an opportunity to redevelop its mineral sector, while concurrently placing Australia on the strategic map of the emerging resource market of South Asia.
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