Faiza Tehseen

Prioritizing the local mining of green or critical metals in Pakistan is crucial to cut the import cost, boost the local and national economy, and ensure sustainable green transition, said Abdul Bashir, Chief Geologist, Koh-e-Daleel, a Balochistan-based mineral mining company, in an exclusive interview with WealthPK.

“Tapping into the mineral potential of Pakistan, particularly the extraction of green metals, can bring huge profits to the state’s wallets, but a strategic plan is required to accomplish this purpose. It will help stimulate economic growth and drive the green energy transition,” he said.

Utilizing locally sourced green metals is important to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions in Pakistan. Green metals, including copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium, and some other rare earth elements (REEs), are vital for the manufacture of batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies.

Bashir said, “There are a lot of small and large undeveloped mineral zones in the country bearing precious, semi-precious, and rare earth elements (REEs). Beyond copper and gold, Pakistan needs to focus on the exploration of REEs, as they are crucial for the manufacture of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and wind turbines.”

Pakistan can gain a strategic advantage in the global market and attract further investment by becoming a reliable supplier of green metals. Collaboration with international partners can bring in expertise and technologies for sustainable mining practices and clean energy solutions.

He said, “By tapping into the green metal resources, Pakistan can play a vital role in national economic development and energy transition. The rising global demand for green metals makes Pakistan’s mineral wealth attractive for foreign investment, potentially leading to infrastructure development and economic growth.”

Talking to WealthPK about the importance of mining the locally occurring ‘green metals,’ geologist and miner Imran Babar said, “Reduced reliance on the import of green minerals or REEs will position the country as a key player in the global clean energy market.”

He said utilising green chemistry principles and adopting technologies that reduce waste and pollution during the mining operations can make the process more sustainable. Pakistan must coordinate with the friendly countries, particularly China, to get sound mining techniques, minimizing the impact on local ecosystems and communities.

Imran further said, “Establishment of dedicated licensing and exploration sections, proper budgeting, and an expert research and development team are the pillars to oversee the sector’s development. Though the National Minerals Harmonization Framework has been  introduced  to facilitate the growth of the mining sector, there is a dire need to make it functional in actual terms.”

He said that the mining of green or critical minerals/metals, their local processing, and value addition will not only meet local industrial needs but also reduce manufacturing costs and boost exports. Policymakers must pay serious attention to this regard, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk