A delegation from Saudi Arabian mining company Manara Minerals is in Islamabad for discussions about acquiring a stake in Pakistan's Reko Diq gold and copper mine, according to a Pakistan government document.
Located in Balochistan province, the Reko Diq mine is one of the largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas globally, co-owned by Barrick Gold Corp and the Pakistani government.
The Manara Minerals executives are part of a larger Saudi delegation exploring investment opportunities in various Pakistani sectors, including agriculture, mining, aviation, and livestock.
Barrick Gold has committed to investing up to $10 billion in developing the Reko Diq project. Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Saudi miner Ma'aden and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has expressed interest in a $1 billion minority share investment in the mine, as reported by Bloomberg.
Pakistan's Petroleum Minister and Commerce Minister have confirmed ongoing discussions with the Saudi delegation but did not disclose the specific companies involved.