# Pakistan mineral sector development strategy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-mineral-sector-development-strategy > Updated: 2026-10-18T14:44:10.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Pakistan is working to expand its mining sector, which currently contributes less than 3 percent to the national GDP, by leveraging estimated mineral reserves valued at $8 trillion. The country is positioned within the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, containing essential minerals such as copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements. A central element of this economic strategy is the Reko Diq copper and gold project in Balochistan. This project is a joint venture involving Barrick Gold Corporation, the Balochistan government, and three federal state-owned companies. Production is expected to begin its first phase by the end of 2028. The government aims to increase annual mineral exports from $3 billion to $8 billion through improved infrastructure, governance, and international partnerships. To attract global interest, Pakistan has signed agreements with US-based US Strategic Metals and scheduled the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 for November in Islamabad. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Pakistan mineral reserves estimated at $8 trillion Pakistan holds an estimated $8 trillion in mineral reserves, with the Reko Diq copper and gold project serving as a major economic driver for potential GDP and export growth. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-mineral-reserves-estimated-at-8-trillion ### 2026-10-16: Pakistan targets $8 billion in mineral exports via critical reserves Pakistan aims to boost mineral exports from $3 billion to $8 billion by leveraging $8 trillion in estimated reserves, highlighted by the Reko Diq copper and gold project. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-targets-economic-growth-through-8-trillion-mineral-reserves --- Cite as: Pakistan mineral sector development strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-mineral-sector-development-strategy