Islamabad:Pakistan's mineral sector has witnessed a significant development as Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals have signed an agreement to explore copper and gold deposits in Balochistan's Chagai district. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the two companies will explore copper and gold deposits and assess the potential of mineral resources in Chagai. Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik attended the signing ceremony.

In addition to the agreement signing, the Petroleum Minister held a series of meetings with heads and senior representatives of leading international mining and investment companies to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan's mineral sector. He met Barrick Corporation Chairman John Thornton, who expressed his pleasure in visiting Pakistan, indicating the company's continued engagement with the country.

The Minister also engaged with Andrew Neilson, Chief Executive of British mining and engineering company Weir, who showed interest in expanding the company's involvement in Pakistan, including the Reko Diq project and other mineral development initiatives. During a separate meeting, Trafigura's Head of Metals and Minerals for the Middle East and North Africa, Ibrahim El Gazzar, conveyed the company's keen interest in zinc and barite projects in Pakistan.

Moreover, Trafigura expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in the LPG, bonded storage, and refinery sectors. The Petroleum Minister also met with Mustafa Aksoy, Chief Executive of Turkish company Calik Holding, and a delegation of Ivanhoe Mines led by Robert Friedland.

Speaking at the event, Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum provides an important platform to connect international investors with investment opportunities in the country. He noted that the growing interest of international companies reflects the increasing potential for investment in Pakistan's mineral resources.