Pakistan Minerals and Mining Updates

Gold Reserves Worth $636 Billion Discovered in Tarbela​

By Business Desk | Published Nov 4, 2025 | 10:06 am


Gold reserves valued at $636 billion have been identified in the soil of Tarbela Dam, according to Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Gohar said the discovery has been formally presented to Chief of Army Staff who responded positively to the briefing, he told reporters at the Karachi Press Club on Monday.

The chairman explained that divers collected soil samples from inside the dam, which were then analyzed in a laboratory to determine the gold content. By extrapolating the results, he estimated the total value of gold in the dam’s soil at $636 billion, an amount that, he claims, could pay off Pakistan’s national debt.

Rupee Continues to Post Marginal Gains 28th Day in a Row Against US Dollar
Gohar said he has offered WAPDA the opportunity to undertake the project themselves, but if not, his company is ready to invest, extract the gold, and hand it over to the country. He added that his team is prepared and has already held discussions with dredging experts in Holland, as well as partners in Amsterdam and Canada. “If the government gives us the green light, we are ready to execute this project,” he said.

In addition to the gold claim, Gohar announced that Air Karachi will launch domestic operations across Pakistan from March 23, with three to five Airbus aircraft. The airline plans to begin international flights after one year of domestic service.

Gohar also revealed plans to build Hyderabad’s first four-star hotel on a five-acre site and stressed that Pakistan’s budget deficit cannot be addressed without growth in the construction sector. He noted that Karachi’s business environment is currently operating “on the back foot.”
propakistani.pk

Gold Reserves Worth $636 Billion Discovered in Tarbela

Gold reserves valued at $636 billion have been identified in the soil of Tarbela Dam, according to Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior
propakistani.pk propakistani.pk
 
Distant_Observer said:
This can't be true, can anyone verify?

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
Click to expand...


No it is not true - this claim has been made for decades, with nothing to show for it. If there was that much gold, you can bet your bottom dollar, they would have dug it up by now !!!!
 
Distant_Observer said:
This can't be true, can anyone verify?

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
Click to expand...


Its BS obviously. Not even Reko Diq have that much gold so how can Tarbela dam silt.
 

$636b worth of gold reserves found in Tarbela​

Australian, Canadian drilling firms contacted for exploration of reserves


KARACHI:
Gold reserves worth $636 billion have been discovered at Tarbela. This revelation was made by Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), during a conversation at the Karachi Press Club on Monday.

He said that the gold reserves found in Tarbela were sufficient to pay off the country's foreign debt and the matter had already been brought to the attention of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor.

Gohar stated that contact had been established with Australian and Canadian drilling companies for the exploration of the reserves. "As soon as we receive directives from the prime minister, the process of extracting gold from Tarbela's soil will begin," he said.

Speaking about Air Karachi, Gohar announced that the airline's domestic operations would commence on March 23, 2026. The airline will initially have a fleet of three to five Airbus aircraft.

He said international flights would begin after a year of successful domestic operations. Gohar disclosed that Hyderabad's first four-star hotel was being built on five acres. He stressed that Pakistan could not cut its budget deficit without developing the construction sector, noting that work in Karachi continued despite a poorly functioning system.
 

Ministry of Commerce backs creation of Minerals Division​

Believes gemstone sector in Pakistan possesses vast potential to drive economic growth​

Mushtaq Ghumman
690a8281d83d2.jpg

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce has supported a proposal to establish a dedicated Minerals Division, similar to the Petroleum Division, for specialized oversight and efficient coordination between the federal and provincial governments through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

The gemstone sector in Pakistan possesses vast potential to drive economic growth, generate foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities.

The country is endowed with rich deposits in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, d that and Balochistan, where valuable stones such as emeralds, rubies, aquamarines, and topaz are found in abundance.

Govt decides to create ‘Minerals Division’

Despite this natural wealth, the sector remains underdeveloped due to challenges such as unregulated mining, limited value addition, widespread smuggling, and the export of unprocessed gemstones.

Recognizing these issues, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly proposed the establishment of a dedicated authority for gemstone exports under the Commerce Division.

At the same time, the Ministry of Industries and Production is also considering a similar proposal, while Gul Asghar MNA has suggested the creation of a separate division for the minerals sector during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Commerce. This brief examines the need for a Gems Authority that oversees the entire value chain from mining to export and assesses which government division would be most suitable to host it.

The Ministry of Commerce is of the view that the case for establishing a dedicated Gems Authority is strong. Pakistan’s gemstone exports currently range between five to seven million dollars annually, which represents only a small fraction of the estimated potential, if the sector is properly developed.

A specialized organisation could bring together various fragmented functions by ensuring environmentally responsible mining practices, promoting training in gemstone cutting, polishing, and certification, and improving access to modern technology for value addition. It could also enhance marketing efforts in major international markets such as China, Thailand, and Europe.

By managing the full value chain, the organisation would help eliminate illicit trade, enforce quality assurance systems similar to those of the Gemological Institute of America, and attract foreign investment through public and private sector collaboration.

The Commerce Ministry further stated that determining the most appropriate administrative placement for this authority requires careful consideration of institutional mandates and sectoral linkages.

The Commerce Division, with its focus on trade promotion, export facilitation, and international cooperation, presents a strong case for managing the export-oriented components of the gemstone industry.

The Division could make effective use of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to organize international exhibitions, build trade linkages, and expand market access. However, its existing structure primarily deals with downstream activities and may not adequately address issues related to mining regulation, production, and local processing.

The Ministry of Industries and Production has offered a more comprehensive framework for developing the sector. The Ministry has successfully managed integrated approaches in other sectors such as automobiles, demonstrating its institutional capacity.

Placing the Gems Authority under this Ministry would allow closer coordination with industrial estates, skill training programs under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, and mineral processing initiatives. This arrangement could support the development of cutting and polishing hubs in Peshawar and Swat, generate employment for artisans, and reduce the export of unprocessed gemstones.

“The proposal by Gul Asghar MNA to create a separate Minerals Division also deserves serious consideration. The minerals sector, including gemstones, has unique geological, environmental, and fiscal characteristics that differ from other industrial or commercial sectors,” said the Commerce Ministry.

It stated that establishing a dedicated Minerals Division, similar to the Petroleum Division, would allow for specialized oversight and efficient coordination between the federal and provincial governments through the Council of Common Interests.

“Such a Division could collaborate closely with the Geological Survey of Pakistan for resource mapping, regulate mining operations to ensure compliance with laws, and promote environmentally sustainable practices. This structure would ensure that gemstone development is managed comprehensively and effectively,” the Commerce Ministry maintained.

The ministry has also proposed that the standing committee may guide on the appropriate institutional placement of the proposed Gems Development entity, as it believes that the establishment of this entity would help formalize the gemstone sector and could potentially increase exports tenfold within the next decade.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
 

Chinese, Pakistani firms ink pact to boost Balochistan’s mining sector​

/.​

1 day agoNEWS WIRE
ISLAMABAD - Chinese mining company Guangdong Handar and Pakistan’s Sanjrani Mining Company (SMC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Guangzhou, China. It is aimed at deepening cooperation on mineral extraction and processing in Balochistan, Handar said in an announcement.

Under the agreement, the two companies will establish a joint venture, tentatively named Pak-Handar Mining Services and Management Company, to offer mining services, invest in resource extraction projects, and modernise mineral processing in Pakistan’s southwest region, the Chinese company said. Guangdong Handar will provide technical expertise and management support, while SMC leverages its local network and assets.

The deal was signed in Guangzhou by former Senate chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, SMC’s chairman, and Liang Fa, rotating general manager of Guangdong Handar. SMC, headquartered in Balochistan, holds significant copper, coal, marble, and onyx assets and has a track record of local resource development. Pakistan is currently seeking global investment to modernise its mining sector, which aligns with its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative
 
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.


To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
 
hydrabadi_arab said:
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.


To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
Click to expand...



Saindak Has Been Nothing More Than A Daylight Robbery
 
hydrabadi_arab said:

Gold Reserves Worth $636 Billion Discovered in Tarbela​

By Business Desk | Published Nov 4, 2025 | 10:06 am


Gold reserves valued at $636 billion have been identified in the soil of Tarbela Dam, according to Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Gohar said the discovery has been formally presented to Chief of Army Staff who responded positively to the briefing, he told reporters at the Karachi Press Club on Monday.

The chairman explained that divers collected soil samples from inside the dam, which were then analyzed in a laboratory to determine the gold content. By extrapolating the results, he estimated the total value of gold in the dam’s soil at $636 billion, an amount that, he claims, could pay off Pakistan’s national debt.

Rupee Continues to Post Marginal Gains 28th Day in a Row Against US Dollar
Gohar said he has offered WAPDA the opportunity to undertake the project themselves, but if not, his company is ready to invest, extract the gold, and hand it over to the country. He added that his team is prepared and has already held discussions with dredging experts in Holland, as well as partners in Amsterdam and Canada. “If the government gives us the green light, we are ready to execute this project,” he said.

In addition to the gold claim, Gohar announced that Air Karachi will launch domestic operations across Pakistan from March 23, with three to five Airbus aircraft. The airline plans to begin international flights after one year of domestic service.

Gohar also revealed plans to build Hyderabad’s first four-star hotel on a five-acre site and stressed that Pakistan’s budget deficit cannot be addressed without growth in the construction sector. He noted that Karachi’s business environment is currently operating “on the back foot.”
propakistani.pk

Gold Reserves Worth $636 Billion Discovered in Tarbela

Gold reserves valued at $636 billion have been identified in the soil of Tarbela Dam, according to Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior
propakistani.pk propakistani.pk
Click to expand...
it all belongs to MUNEERISTAN, ISRAELISTAN and QADIYANISTAN
 

Barrick Mining considers splitting into two entities, potential sale of Reko Diq under consideration: sources​

  • Split could also include the outright sale of Reko Diq mine

TORONTO: The board of Canada’s Barrick Mining has raised the possibility of splitting the company into two separate entities, one focused on North America and the other on Africa and Asia, four sources familiar with the company’s thinking told Reuters.

A split could also include the outright sale of Barrick’s African assets as well as of the Reko Diq mine in Pakistan, once it has secured financing, according to the sources.

In Mali, Barrick is looking to resolve a dispute with the African nation’s military administration before selling the asset, sources said.

A Barrick spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Interim CEO Mark Hill, asked on Monday about a possible split, said the company does not comment on speculation.

Talks are ongoing and nothing has yet been finalised, the sources said.

The plans, if they go through, would essentially reverse Barrick’s merger with Randgold in 2019, and shed assets brought in by former CEO Mark Bristow.

The company’s focus on North America, including Fourmile, a major undeveloped gold mine in Nevada, would ensure that Barrick does not get undervalued in case of a potential takeover offer, one of the sources said.

Fourmile mine test production is not due to start until 2029. Hill said earlier this week that the company would shift its focus to North America, prompting a ratings upgrade on its shares by analysts at Jefferies and elsewhere.

Shares of Barrick rose on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Friday following the Reuters report, closing up 3%.

Investors have said Barrick’s shares are undervalued and have asked the company to find ways to take better advantage of a historic rally in gold prices.

Although Barrick shares have jumped 130% this year, in the last five years the company’s returns have been lower than its peers, gaining 52% while Agnico Eagle has jumped 142%.

Investors had previously proposed that the company divide into one division with stable assets such as Nevada and Fourmile, and another with riskier assets in Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Reko Diq, one of the people said.

As one of the few gold mining companies with assets spanning multiple continents, Barrick’s biggest risk has been mines in politically volatile regions, investors say.

Earlier this year, Barrick lost control of its most profitable mine, the Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali, leading to a $1 billion write-off. A dispute over the country’s new mining tax code led to the seizure of 3 metric tons of gold and a provisional administrator taking charge of the mine. Four Barrick employees are still incarcerated by the Malian administration.

“There has been a view that there is a lot of value in Nevada,” said one Barrick investor. If the Nevada mine were a publicly listed company on its own, it would be one of the world’s largest capitalised gold mining companies, the investor added, asking not to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The company has resisted splitting in the past because, without Nevada, this investor said, there is not much of value in its other mines. Barrick runs the Nevada gold mine in partnership with Newmont Corp.

In addition to Nevada and Mali, the company’s other working facilities include copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gold in Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, and Papua New Guinea.
 

Reko Diq Moves Closer to Execution as Financing Nears Completion, 20% Work Done​

By Shahzad Paracha | Published Nov 18, 2025 | 9:40 pm
The multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold project has moved closer to execution after the Petroleum Division informed a Senate committee that financing is nearing completion and physical progress has reached 20 percent.
​

Officials briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum that Phase 1 production remains on schedule for late 2028, with the first phase requiring a total investment of $7.7 billion. They said $2.5 billion has already been secured and that project development is “on track.” The committee was also invited to visit the site for an on-site review.

Several senators, however, expressed concern over the absence of any representative from Barrick Gold, the operating partner. They directed that an operational team member must attend future meetings to ensure transparency and regular oversight.
​

According to the briefing, Reko Diq is projected to generate substantial long-term economic gains over its estimated 37-year life. Officials said the mine is expected to deliver $26 billion in benefits to Balochistan, $11 billion to the federal government, and about $15 billion to Pakistani partner companies.

Committee members reiterated that Reko Diq remains one of Pakistan’s most strategic mineral projects and stressed the importance of continued monitoring.

The meeting grew tense when the Petroleum Division failed to provide basic production numbers for the Sui gas fields. Senators Quratulain Marri and Bilal Ahmed repeatedly requested current output data, but even the DG Petroleum Concessions admitted he did not have the figures, saying he had held the additional charge for only three months.

Pakistan’s Biggest Gold Project to Bring 7,500 Jobs and $53 Billion
The chair warned that the committee may write to the president and prime minister over what lawmakers described as a breach of privilege.

Officials further told the committee that LNG purchases from Qatar and ENI are being reduced because domestic demand has fallen. They noted that RLNG is the most expensive fuel in the system and that monthly imports have already been cut from 10 cargoes.

The Petroleum Division briefed lawmakers that Pakistan produces up to 3.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, with roughly 55 percent coming from Sindh, 30 percent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and only 3 to 4 percent from Punjab. Balochistan supplies around 400 to 500 mmcfd. Senator Bilal Ahmed stressed that under Article 158, Balochistan should receive priority in meeting local needs before gas is diverted elsewhere.


The Secretary Petroleum said provincial demand ranges from 90 mmcfd in summer to 210 mmcfd in winter, but added that 80 percent of gas meters in the province are tampered, a claim that alarmed senators.

SNGPL management also came under scrutiny after the MD arrived without supply data, promising to present the figures at the next meeting. Lawmakers complained that companies often attend unprepared or skip proceedings entirely.

The committee also demanded full details on the Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited arrangement, noting that its original agreement expired in 2020 and has only recently been renewed. Members instructed the ministry to share the company’s Supreme Court submissions and outstanding obligations.

The chair directed the Petroleum Division to provide all missing gas production and supply information before the next session, warning that continued withholding of data would result in formal complaints to the highest offices in the country.
 

Pakistan broadens mining, minerals push; seeks German collaboration after US, France​

  • Reko Diq project stands as crucial test case for attracting further international investment, says German ambassador
KARACHI: Pakistan has expanded its international push to attract investment in its minerals and mining sectors, turning to Germany for bilateral cooperation after similar engagements with the US and France as Islamabad seeks technology, expertise, and long-term partnerships to unlock its resource potential.

The development came as Petroleum minister Ali Pervaiz Malik discussed unlocking the potential for bilateral cooperation in Pakistan’s mining, minerals, and energy sectors with German Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Ms. Ina Lepel on Tuesday at the Ministry of Energy in Islamabad. Janine Rohwer, Political and Economic Counsellor, was also present in the meeting.

“There is a lot of potential in Pakistan’s mining and natural resources sector,” stated Ambassador Lepel during the meeting, according to a statement from the Petroleum Division.


“The international interest in Pakistan’s mining sector is encouraging, and the Reko Diq project stands as a crucial test case for attracting further international investment,” she said.

Reko Diq is a massive copper and gold deposit located in Balochistan, Pakistan, which is believed to be one of the world’s largest. The project is a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Pakistani stakeholders.

The ambassador also pointed towards specific avenues for technical collaboration, suggesting that the “Geological Survey of Pakistan and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) have significant potential for collaboration”.

Last week, Pakistan and France authorities explored avenues for collaboration in the minerals and mining sectors as both sides highlighted investment opportunities and partnerships during a high-level webinar.

The session discussed collaborative frameworks between Pakistani and French companies for exploration, processing, and value addition in the minerals supply chain.

In September this year, Pakistan and the United States (US) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $500 million to strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector, marking a step toward deeper economic and strategic engagement between the two countries.

Later in October, Pakistan delivered its first batch of rare earth elements and critical minerals to US Strategic Metals (USSM) in the United States.

According to PRNewswire then, in the first shipment, Pakistan indigenously sourced and prepared antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements with neodymium and praseodymium.

Meanwhile, Ali Pervaiz Malik detailed the government’s focus on modernising the sector during the Tuesday’s meeting with German ambassador.

“Our vision is clear: we are focused on promoting sustainable and mechanised mining practices. In this regard, the Reko Diq project is the torchbearer, setting a new benchmark for large-scale, responsible mining in Pakistan,” the minister said.

“The next edition of the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum will be even bigger, showcasing the extensive opportunities we have to offer to global investors.”

The discussions also extended to the energy sector, where Minister Malik outlined Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Pakistan is actively working on a comprehensive refinery upgrade programme. This initiative is not only crucial for meeting our domestic fuel quality standards but also aligns perfectly with Germany’s strong policy focus on decarbonisation and a green transition. Both our countries can collaborate effectively on this front,” he added.

“To enhance our energy security, Pakistan is focused on indigenising our fuel supplies. In a landmark move after almost two decades, we have successfully conducted a bidding round for offshore exploration blocks, signaling a new era of investment in our upstream sector.”

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Pakistan-Germany strategic partnership and agreed to work together paving the way for tangible investments and knowledge sharing, the Petroleum Division said.
 

Pak-US firms sign agreement for critical mineral exploration​

By APP
November 19, 2025


An image of the US and Pakistan flag. — Anadolu Agency/File
An image of the US and Pakistan flag. — Anadolu Agency/File
MANSEHRA: A major breakthrough in Pakistan’s mineral sector has been achieved as a strategic partnership was finalized between Pakistan’s private company Himalayan Earth Exploration (HEE) and the American company Nova Minerals Limited for the exploration and development of valuable minerals across the country.

Prominent businessman and social figure Hanif Gohar, who is also Chairman of Air Karachi and Himalayan Earth Exploration Company, shared the development during his visit to his hometown Dhodial, Mansehra. Speaking to local journalists, he said the collaboration aims to unlock Pakistan’s vast critical mineral potential and strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and the United States.

Sponsored Content


Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel
Book now
Booking.com

Husband Sees Something Strange in Picture of WifeHusband Sees Something Strange in Picture of WifeTips and Tricks

Why Your Brand Needs This Video Solution Before It’s Too LateWhy Your Brand Needs This Video Solution Before It’s Too LateVidau
Learn More

According to Gohar, HEE and Nova Minerals (NASDAQ/ASX/FRA: NVA) have entered into a historic agreement under which both companies will represent each other’s interests in Pakistan and the U.S. The partnership will enhance future trade and cooperation in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, energy transition technologies, and rare earth elements (REEs).

He said Pakistan possesses substantial reserves of critical minerals and REEs, and the joint venture seeks to accelerate responsible development, promote local value addition, create skilled employment opportunities, and deepen bilateral economic relations.

Nova Minerals CEO Christopher Gerteisen, who accompanied the delegation, thanked local hosts for their warm reception and expressed strong confidence in long-term cooperation.

HEE Director/CEO Liaquat Ali Sultan and Director Jabar Khan said the partnership focuses on innovation, capacity-building, and the development of a modern mining ecosystem. They emphasized the importance of advanced research and sustainable practices for long-term growth.

HEE, a subsidiary of the Chinar and Gohar Groups, is already leading mineral exploration across Pakistan with a 35-square-kilometer placer gold project and a potential 111-kilometer mineral corridor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, Nova Minerals Limited is progressing its Estelle Project in Alaska, which spans 514 square kilometers in the Tintina Gold Belt, an area known for multiple gold and antimony prospects.

The new Pak–US partnership is expected to bring investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development to Pakistan’s critical mineral sector while contributing to a secure and diversified supply chain for the United States.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)

Pakistan Defence Latest

Country Watch Latest

Latest Posts

Share this page

Back
Top