Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced an ambitious infrastructure project to connect the remote Reko Diq copper-gold mine to Karachi's Port Qasim via railway, with completion targeted before the end of 2029 [1]. According to Iqbal, Pakistan will break ground on the new rail section within a few months of the November 13, 2026 announcement [1]. The minister emphasized that dedicated security divisions will be deployed to address security concerns that have been delaying mining projects in the region [1]. This railway development represents a significant step in unlocking the commercial potential of the Reko Diq mine, one of the world's largest untapped copper-gold deposits. The project also reflects Pakistan's commitment to adding domestic value-added work in the mining sector, as Iqbal pledged during his interview with Nikkei Asia [1]. The completion of this rail link would facilitate the transportation of extracted minerals from the remote mining site to the major port facility, potentially streamlining export operations and reducing logistics costs for mining operations.
CONCLUSION
Pakistan's commitment to completing a railway link between Reko Diq and Karachi Port by end-2029 signals progress toward developing one of the world's largest copper-gold deposits, with security measures being implemented to address previous project delays. This infrastructure investment could significantly enhance the commercial viability of mining operations and strengthen Pakistan's mineral export capabilities.