摘要：作者简介: 泽米尔·阿万是巴基斯坦中国问题专家，曾在中国求学。担任外交官推动中巴科技合作，现是巴基斯坦国立科技大学中国学研究中心副主任。他积极推动中巴经济走廊建设、教育与青年交流及抗疫合作，高度认可中国发展模式，获“巴中友谊使者”荣誉称号。

作者简介: 泽米尔·阿万是巴基斯坦中国问题专家，曾在中国求学。担任外交官推动中巴科技合作，现是巴基斯坦国立科技大学中国学研究中心副主任。他积极推动中巴经济走廊建设、教育与青年交流及抗疫合作，高度认可中国发展模式，获“巴中友谊使者”荣誉称号。

BY: ADMIN ON: APRIL 20, 2025 TAGGED: #ECONOMY, #GEOPOLITICS, #HIDEN TreasureS OF Pakistan, #MINE, #MINERAL ECONOMY, #MINERALS, #PAKISTAN, #PAKISTAN’S MINERAL ECONOMY: UNLOCKING POTENTIAL, #TRENDS OF GLOBAL ECONOMY, #巴基斯坦矿产经济：释放潜力，建设和平与繁荣 WITH: 0 COMMENTS

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（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）

In the 21st century, the global economy is increasingly driven by the strategic control and utilization of natural resources, particularly critical minerals and rare earth elements. 21世纪，全球经济日益受到对自然资源，特别是关键矿产和稀土元素的战略控制和利用的驱动。

Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash

In the 21st century, the global economy is increasingly driven by the strategic control and utilization of natural resources, particularly critical minerals and rare earth elements. As nations race to secure their mineral futures to power technologies, industries, and green transitions, Pakistan stands at a crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. The country is richly endowed with mineral wealth and possesses the potential to emerge as a significant player in the global mineral economy, provided it adopts a strategic, transparent, and balanced approach.

What is the Mineral Economy?

The mineral economy refers to the system of extraction, processing, trade, and utilization of mineral resources that are essential for industrial production, technological innovation, and national development. Minerals—such as copper, lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others—are foundational to modern infrastructure, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, semiconductors, and defense systems.

With the global shift towards clean energy, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing, the demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing. This transformation has redefined mineral resources not merely as commodities but as strategic assets vital for national security and economic competitiveness.

Global Trends in the Mineral Economy

The global mineral economy is witnessing a surge in competition among major powers. The United States, China, the European Union, and others are investing heavily in securing stable and diversified supply chains for critical minerals. The World Bank estimates that the production of minerals such as graphite, lithium, and cobalt could increase by nearly 500% by 2050 to meet the demands of a low-carbon future.

At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on responsible mining, environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and regional cooperation. The mineral economy is no longer just about extraction; it’s about geopolitics, sustainability, and technological supremacy.

Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth: An Untapped Treasure

Pakistan is home to a vast range of mineral resources spread across all its provinces, from the mountains of Balochistan to the plains of Punjab and the rugged terrain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The estimated worth of Pakistan’s mineral resources is over $6 trillion, according to various geological surveys and expert estimates.

Some of the key mineral deposits include:

Reko Diq Copper-Gold Reserves (Balochistan): One of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold mines, with estimated reserves of 5.9 billion tons of ore containing 0.41% copper and 0.22 grams/ton of gold.

Thar Coal (Sindh): Among the largest lignite coal reserves in the world, with over 175 billion tons of estimated deposits.

Salt (Punjab): The Khewra Salt Mine is one of the oldest and largest in the world.

Chromite (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan): Pakistan ranks among the top ten chromite-producing countries globally.

Gypsum, limestone, and marble across various regions.

Critically, rare earth elements (REEs) and strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel have been detected in various geological zones, particularly in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, though detailed mapping and exploration are still required.

Potential and Strategic Importance

Pakistan’s mineral wealth provides it with multiple strategic advantages:

Geopolitical Location: Pakistan sits at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, offering a natural corridor for mineral trade and processing.

CPEC and Infrastructure Development: Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan is developing the infrastructure necessary to support mining, transport, and export of minerals.

Young Workforce and Technical Talent: With targeted training and investment in geological sciences, Pakistan can develop a skilled workforce for its mineral sector.

Investment Attraction: The recent resolution of disputes such as Reko Diq has paved the way for renewed investor confidence.

Pakistan’s Place in the Global Race

As the US, China, and EU intensify their search for secure and sustainable sources of critical minerals, countries like Pakistan are increasingly in focus. The opportunity for Pakistan lies not in taking sides but in offering itself as a reliable, neutral, and strategic partner to all.

Pakistan can provide raw materials and processing opportunities to both Western and Eastern partners while ensuring environmental compliance, local community development, and economic benefits. Strategic partnerships in mineral exploration and refining can be designed with checks and balances that preserve Pakistan’s autonomy and national interests.

Official Perspective and Policy Direction

The Government of Pakistan has signaled a renewed focus on the mineral sector. The “Mineral Development Framework” emphasizes:

Regulatory reforms for ease of doing business.

Public-private partnerships.

Modern geological surveys and digital mapping.

Establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) focused on mineral processing.

International collaborations for technology transfer and training.

Above all development of skilled workforce

Federal and provincial governments are also actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in mining under a clear legal and environmental framework.

In his recent statement, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that “Pakistan welcomes all friendly countries to explore investment opportunities in the mineral and mining sectors. We are committed to transparency, sustainability, and mutual benefit.”

A Call for Balanced foreign policy

Amid rising geopolitical tensions—particularly between the United States and China—Pakistan must walk a tightrope. It must not become a pawn in the new “Great Game” over minerals. Instead, Pakistan should position itself as a peace-oriented, neutral, and development-driven state that engages all powers equally.

Pakistan’s foreign policy must continue to reflect its founding principles of peace, friendship, and non-alignment. It should deepen its strategic cooperation with China under CPEC, while simultaneously enhancing trade and investment ties with the United States, Europe, and regional countries.

A Path Forward

Pakistan’s mineral economy represents one of the most promising frontiers for national growth, regional integration, and global relevance. By leveraging its vast resources, strategic location, and balanced diplomacy, Pakistan can emerge as a key contributor to the global mineral economy.

However, success will require strong governance, transparency, environmental responsibility, and inclusive development. Local communities must benefit. Environmental concerns must be addressed. And long-term national interests must be safeguarded.

Pakistan does not need to choose sides in global confrontations. Instead, it must choose development, cooperation, and sustainability. As the world races for minerals, Pakistan can be a stabilizing force—a mineral-rich, peace-loving nation, committed to building a prosperous and interconnected future for itself and the world.

21世纪，全球经济日益受到对自然资源，特别是关键矿产和稀土元素的战略控制和利用的驱动。随着各国竞相确保其矿产未来为技术、工业和绿色转型提供动力，巴基斯坦正处于机遇和责任的十字路口。该国拥有丰富的矿产财富，只要采取战略性、透明和平衡的做法，就有可能成为全球矿产经济中的重要参与者。

什么是矿产经济？

矿产经济是指工业生产、技术创新和国家发展所必需的矿产资源的开采、加工、贸易和利用体系。矿物——如铜、锂、钴、稀土元素等——是现代基础设施、电动汽车、可再生能源技术、半导体和国防系统的基础。

随着全球向清洁能源、数字化和先进制造业的转变，对关键矿物的需求正在飙升。这种转变使矿产资源不仅被重新定义为商品，而且被重新定义为对国家安全和经济竞争力至关重要的战略资产。

矿产经济的全球趋势

全球矿产经济正见证着大国之间竞争的激增。美国、中国、欧盟和其他国家正在大力投资，以确保关键矿产的稳定和多样化供应链。世界银行估计，到2050年，石墨、锂和钴等矿物的产量可能会增加近500%，以满足未来低碳的需求。

与此同时，人们越来越重视负责任的采矿、环境可持续性、道德采购和区域合作。矿产经济不再仅仅是开采；它关乎地缘政治、可持续性和技术优势。

巴基斯坦的矿产财富：未开发的宝藏

从俾路支省的山区到旁遮普省的平原，再到开伯尔-普赫图赫瓦省和吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦崎岖的地形，巴基斯坦拥有丰富的矿产资源。根据各种地质调查和专家估计，巴基斯坦矿产资源的估计价值超过6万亿美元。

一些重要的矿藏包括：

Reko Diq铜金矿（俾路支省）：世界上最大的未开发铜金矿之一，估计储量为59亿吨，铜含量为0.41%，金含量为0.22克/吨。

塔尔煤（信德省）：世界上最大的褐煤储量之一，估计储量超过1750亿吨。

盐（旁遮普）：Khewra盐矿是世界上最古老和最大的盐矿之一。

铬铁矿（开伯尔-普赫图赫瓦省和俾路支省）：巴基斯坦是全球十大铬铁矿生产国之一。

石膏、石灰石和大理石遍布各个地区。

重要的是，稀土元素和战略矿物，如锂、钴和镍，已经在不同的地质带被发现，特别是在俾路支省和吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦，尽管详细的测绘和勘探仍然需要。

潜力和战略重要性

巴基斯坦丰富的矿产资源为其提供了多重战略优势：

地缘政治位置：巴基斯坦位于南亚、中亚和中东的交汇处，为矿产贸易和加工提供了一条天然走廊。

中巴经济走廊和基础设施建设：根据中巴经济走廊，巴基斯坦正在建设必要的基础设施，以支持采矿、运输和矿产出口。

年轻的劳动力和技术人才：通过在地质科学方面的有针对性的培训和投资，巴基斯坦可以为其矿产部门培养熟练的劳动力。

投资吸引力：最近Reko Diq争端的解决为恢复投资者信心铺平了道路。

巴基斯坦在全球竞争中的地位

随着美国、中国和欧盟加紧寻找安全和可持续的关键矿产资源，巴基斯坦等国家越来越受到关注。巴基斯坦的机会不在于站队，而在于向所有国家提供一个可靠、中立的战略伙伴。

巴基斯坦可以向西方和东方的合作伙伴提供原材料和加工机会，同时确保遵守环境、当地社区发展和经济效益。战略矿产勘探和提炼伙伴关系可以设计成相互制衡，以保护巴基斯坦的自主权和国家利益。

官方视角与政策方向

巴基斯坦政府已表示将重新重视矿物部门。《矿产开发框架》强调：

为便利营商而进行的监管改革。

公私伙伴关系。

现代地质调查与数字填图。

建立以矿物加工为重点的经济特区。

技术转让和培训方面的国际合作。

最重要的是培养熟练的劳动力

联邦和省级政府也在明确的法律和环境框架下积极鼓励外国直接投资矿业。

总理在最近的声明中重申，“巴基斯坦欢迎所有友好国家探索矿物和采矿部门的投资机会。我们致力于透明度、可持续性和互惠互利。”

呼吁平衡的外交政策

面对日益紧张的地缘政治局势，尤其是美国和中国之间的紧张局势，巴基斯坦必须走钢丝。它绝不能成为争夺矿产的新“大博弈”中的一枚棋子。相反，巴基斯坦应该把自己定位为一个以和平为导向的、中立的、以发展为导向的、平等对待所有大国的国家。

巴基斯坦的外交政策必须继续反映其和平、友谊和不结盟的基本原则。它应该深化与中国在CPEC下的战略合作，同时加强与美国，欧洲和地区国家的贸易和投资联系。

前进的道路

巴基斯坦的矿产经济是国家增长、区域一体化和全球相关性最有希望的领域之一。通过利用其丰富的资源、战略位置和平衡的外交，巴基斯坦可以成为全球矿产经济的关键贡献者。

然而，成功需要强有力的治理、透明度、环境责任和包容性发展。当地社区必须从中受益。环境问题必须得到解决。国家的长期利益必须得到维护。

巴基斯坦不需要在全球对抗中选边站。相反，它必须选择发展、合作和可持续性。

( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)

Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/04/19/pakistans-mineral-economy-unlocking-potential-building-peace-and-prosperity/

来源：时代传媒1号一点号