Pakistan and the Minerals Race

In recent years, the global race for critical minerals has become central to the clean energy transition and technological innovation. This aptly explains why global powers are scrambling for control over these minerals. As countries seek to secure lithium, copper and other rare earth minerals, new partnerships are emerging to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on single markets. Pakistan, with its vast untapped mineral reserves, is an important player, making the country a potential beneficiary of the global race for critical minerals, with rising US interest in antimony opening a window for the country's mining sector. To make the most of this opportunity, the country needs robust policies to position itself to make hay while the sun is shining, and take advantage of this global shift in a way that supports inclusive and sustainable growth.

Minerals are the invisible engines of modern civilization. These are the raw materials behind the technologies that define our daily lives and shape global power structures. From copper and lithium to cobalt and rare earth elements, these critical minerals underpin the world's transition toward clean energy, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing. However, access to these resources is neither easy nor equitable. The global race for critical minerals is intensifying, with supply chains vulnerable to disruption and geopolitical competition.

In this landscape, Pakistan's untapped mineral wealth positions it as a potentially significant player in the minerals economy. Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in the global minerals race, eyeing lucrative deals with major powers including the United States and China. With mineral reserves estimated at $8 trillion, Islamabad is seeking strategic partnerships to unlock its vast potential in copper, gold, rare earths and other resources.