Japan is exploring participation in Pakistan’s Reko Diq copper and gold project to secure future mineral supplies amid growing fears of a global copper shortage that could disrupt industrial production and energy transition goals.
Officials familiar with the matter said Japanese companies are in early talks with project stakeholders to assess potential investment and technology-sharing opportunities. The discussions come as Tokyo intensifies efforts to diversify critical mineral imports and reduce dependence on a small group of global suppliers, particularly at a time when demand for copper is projected to surge due to electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy infrastructure.
The Reko Diq deposit, located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold reserves. It is currently being developed by Barrick Gold Corporation in partnership with the Government of Pakistan under a framework that allows for additional foreign participation in downstream processing and value-chain development.
Analysts note that Japan’s interest in the project aligns with its broader strategy to secure long-term access to essential raw materials through partnerships in resource-rich developing nations. The move also highlights Pakistan’s emerging role in global mineral supply networks, particularly as geopolitical realignments and green energy policies drive renewed competition for strategic commodities.
Economic observers in Islamabad view potential Japanese participation as a sign of growing confidence in Pakistan’s mining reforms and its expanding foreign investment outreach beyond traditional partners such as China. Officials say new investment in Reko Diq could help Pakistan attract advanced mining technologies, improve infrastructure, and strengthen environmental oversight in the sector.
At the same time, experts caution that political stability, regulatory transparency, and regional security remain key factors for foreign investors. Balochistan, while rich in minerals, has experienced periodic unrest that has previously disrupted development efforts. Authorities have assured that the region’s security situation has improved and that new investment will be safeguarded under federal and provincial coordination.
Japan’s approach to mineral cooperation reflects its broader Indo-Pacific economic strategy, fostering stable partnerships with South Asian countries while ensuring access to critical materials needed for its high-tech industries. If realized, participation in the Reko Diq project would mark Tokyo’s first major entry into Pakistan’s mining sector and strengthen the country’s growing ties with East Asian economies.
