China continues to source nearly 51pc of global copper imports from global markets

LAHORE: China continues to source nearly 51 percent of its global copper imports from international markets, including Pakistan. Recognizing the increasing potential of this sector in 2025, Nazir Hussain, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology and advanced mining practices to further accelerate copper trade with China.

President PCJCCI shared that Pakistan’s copper and copper-related exports have witnessed remarkable progress over the past decade. He recalled that in earlier years, copper exports were valued at only USD 106 million, but by 2021, shipments to China alone had reached USD 600 million and the upward trajectory is expected to continue in 2025.

He highlighted that copper mining and processing require advanced technological expertise, an area where Chinese companies, particularly the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), have played a pivotal role since the development of the Saindak Copper-Gold Project in 1995. The project currently processes 12,800 tons of copper ore daily, producing nearly 13,000 tons of copper blister annually.

Brig Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (retd), Senior Vice President PCJCCI stated that the renewed rise in copper export potential is strongly linked to the ongoing development of the Reko Diq Project, which is now moving toward full-scale operations and is anticipated to be a transformative venture for Pakistan in 2025.

Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI noted that over the past two decades, the Saindak Copper-Gold Project has delivered consistent economic benefits, contributing more than USD 468 million in taxes, fees, and profits to the federal and provincial governments.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI highlighted that the ongoing expansion of the Reko Diq Project in 2025 presents an opportunity comparable to the Saindak Copper-Gold Project. He expressed the hope that the government will expedite international tenders and collaborations to maximize Pakistan’s copper export potential, particularly with China.