- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) said here Wednesday that Pak-China cooperation has strengthened copper export potential of Pakistan.
China continues to source nearly 51 per cent of its global copper imports from international markets including Pakistan.
Recognizing the increasing potential of this sector in 2025, the PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology and advanced mining practices to further accelerate copper trade with China.
He added, Pakistan’s copper and copper-related exports have witnessed remarkable progress over the past decade. He recalled that in earlier years, copper exports were valued at only USD 106 million, but by 2021, shipments to China alone had reached USD 600 million and the upward trajectory is expected to continue in 2026.
He, however, suggested that copper mining and processing require advanced technological expertise, an area where Chinese companies, particularly the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), have played a pivotal role since the development of the Saindak Copper-Gold Project in 1995. The project currently processes 12,800 tons of copper ore daily, producing nearly 13,000 tons of copper blister annually.
The joint Chamber’s Senior Vice President
Brig. (Retd.) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh stated that the renewed rise in copper export potential is strongly linked to the ongoing development of the Reko Diq Project, which is now moving toward full-scale operations and is anticipated to be a transformative venture for Pakistan. He added that if all agreements progress smoothly, MCC already operating successfully in Saindak is optimistic and pointed out that regions such as Chitral, despite holding significant copper reserves, remain underutilized due to outdated mining practices and lack of modern equipment.
Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI, noted that over the past two decades, the Saindak Copper-Gold Project has delivered consistent economic benefits, contributing more than USD 468 million in taxes, fees, and profits to the federal and provincial governments. The project has generated over 1,900 jobs, procured USD 1.1 billion worth of goods and materials, and supported local trade, transportation, and logistics positively impacting thousands of families. He emphasized the need for enhanced managerial and technical training for Pakistani workers to ensure they gain greater long-term benefits from these projects.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif highlighted that ongoing expansion of the Reko Diq Project in 2025 presents an opportunity comparable to the Saindak Copper-Gold Project. He expressed the hope that the government will expedite international tenders and collaborations to maximize Pakistan’s copper export potential, particularly with China.