Minerals framework being finalised

The government is close to finalising the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025, a key initiative aimed at attracting investment in the mineral sector. All provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are to adopt the policy by February 26 this year. It will also be unveiled at the Pakistan Critical Minerals Summit, planned for April 9. Saudi Arabia has already expressed interest in acquiring 15% shares in the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project. The framework will help to formalise the policy at the domestic and national levels, which will encourage investment in Pakistan's mining sector. This is a key initiative of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for the mining industry. Sources said that the federal government was striving to take all provinces on board while finalising the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025.