Global Mining Giants Head to Islamabad to Unlock Critical Mineral Reserves
Islamabad, Thursday, 5 November 2026.
Pakistan convenes top mining leaders and international financiers in Islamabad next week, aiming to turn its vast, untapped mineral reserves into pivotal assets for global supply chains.
Islamabad to Host High-Stakes Mineral Investment Forum
Pakistan is set to host the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on November 12–13, 2026 [1]. The two-day event will convene senior government officials, global mining executives, and international financiers to accelerate investment in Pakistan’s critical mineral reserves, positioning the country as a key player in the global critical mineral supply chain [1]. The forum is structured around a Strategic Conference, Technical Conference, and an international exhibition, focusing on policy reform, exploration financing, flagship projects, geological collaboration, infrastructure, and responsible development [1].
A Gathering of Industry Titans
Confirmed speakers at PMIF26 include high-profile figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces), Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik [1]. Global mining leaders will also be present, including Ivanhoe Mines Founder and Chairman Robert Friedland, Barrick Mining Corporation Chairman John L. Thornton, Weir Group CEO Andrew Neilson, and OGDC Managing Director/CEO and PMIF President Ahmed Hayat Lak [1]. The event will also feature participation from major financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank Group, Lazard, and Wood Mackenzie [1].
Focus on Early-Stage Exploration and Investment
One of the key highlights of PMIF26 is the ‘Backing the Drill Bit’ panel discussion, moderated by Munib Hussain, Partner at Milbank [5]. This session will bring together leaders in finance and mining to discuss strategies for investing in early-stage mineral exploration, emphasizing how capital can be deployed to unlock geological potential [5]. Colin Davies, Head of Discovery & Research at International Resources Holding, is also confirmed as a speaker, further underscoring the forum’s focus on discovery-driven opportunities [7].
Strategic Projects and Global Collaboration
The forum will spotlight flagship projects such as the Reko Diq copper-gold project, one of Pakistan’s most significant mineral ventures [1]. With over 50 peer-reviewed technical papers scheduled for presentation, PMIF26 aims to foster international collaboration in geological surveys, infrastructure development, and responsible mining practices [1]. The event underscores Pakistan’s commitment to integrating its mineral sector into the global supply chain, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electronics [GPT].