Pakistan and Finland Collaborate to Modernize Mining Sector

Islamabad: Pakistan and Finland have agreed to enhance cooperation between their companies in the mining sector. The agreement was made during a meeting between Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and a Finnish delegation led by Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan Hannu Ripatti in Islamabad. The delegation also included Piia Karhu, President, Minerals at Metso, and Willie Eerola, Honorary Consul General of Pakistan to Finland.

According to Radio Pakistan, the cooperation will leverage Finnish technological expertise to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential responsibly and efficiently. Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted that the government has updated the regulatory setup of the minerals sector by harmonizing the mineral framework to ensure global competitiveness in mining. He noted that Pakistan is transitioning from primitive mining methods to sophisticated, mechanized, and responsible mining practices.

Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized the critical role of the Reko Diq project, describing it as the torchbearer for Pakistan’s mineral sector. He assured the Finnish delegation of the government’s full commitment to providing a stable and conducive environment for investors. Meanwhile, Finnish company Metso has announced a significant investment in providing technical equipment to Pakistan’s copper mining sector.

The investment, as discussed in a meeting between Piia Karhu and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani in Islamabad, will focus on providing modern technology, mining equipment, and services. Metso’s commitment includes supplying advanced technological equipment and expertise, similar to what the company offers to countries like Saudi Arabia and Zambia.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani lauded Metso’s commitment to investing in Pakistan, bringing modern equipment, and offering services in the mineral sector.