Orion Exploration Leadership Shares Insights at Rotary Club of Karachi - Energy Transition & Reko Diq
On the 18th of February 2025, the Rotary Club of Karachi hosted an enlightening session at the Pearl Continental Hotel, featuring a presentation titled ‘Energy Transition & Reko Diq’. The session, delivered by Ali Ehsan Rind, co-founder of Orion Exploration, provided a comprehensive overview of the global mining industry, the significance of energy transition minerals, and the transformative potential of Pakistan’s mining sector, particularly the Reko Diq project.
The presentation was structured around several key themes, each shedding light on critical aspects of mining and its implications for Pakistan’s future. Here’s a breakdown of the session:
Four Major Trends Shaping the Global Mining Industry
The session began with an exploration of the four major trends currently shaping the global mining industry. These trends are driving innovation and creating new opportunities for resource-rich countries like Pakistan to play a significant role in the global supply chain.
Energy Transition Minerals: The Future of Sustainable Development
A significant portion of the discussion focused on energy transition minerals—what they are, their uses, and their importance in the global shift toward renewable energy. The presentation highlighted why it is essential for Pakistan to harness these resources, drawing parallels with countries like Peru and Chile, which have built thriving economies around copper production. The potential for Pakistan to emerge as a key player in this space was a central theme.
Understanding the Mining Development Lifecycle
The audience was taken through the basics of the mining development lifecycle, from exploration and feasibility studies to production and eventual closure. This segment helped demystify the complexities of mining projects and underscored the long-term planning and investment required to bring them to fruition.
Mining in Pakistan: The Tethyan Belt and Beyond
The presentation also delved into Pakistan’s rich mineral resources, particularly the Tethyan Belt, which is home to significant deposits of copper, gold, and other minerals. The strategic location of these deposits and their potential to drive economic development were discussed in detail, painting a promising picture of Pakistan’s mining future.
Reko Diq: A Story of Resilience and Opportunity
A major highlight of the session was the discussion on Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits. The presentation covered the history of the project, its forecasted impact on Pakistan’s economy, and the extensive community development work undertaken by Barrick, the operator of the Reko Diq project. The emphasis was on how such projects can uplift local communities while contributing to national development.
Opportunities for Businesses in the Mining Supply Chain
The session concluded with a focus on the opportunities for local businesses to become part of the mining supply chain. The presentation emphasized that the success of projects like Reko Diq depends not only on foreign investment but also on the active participation of local industries and entrepreneurs.
A Call to Action
The presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where attendees posed thoughtful questions about the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s mining sector. The discussion reflected a genuine interest in the topic, with many participants eager to learn how they could contribute to or benefit from the growing mining industry.
The session ended on a powerful note, with a call to action: “Foreign companies have an important role to play in mines, but it’s nations that build projects like these.” This statement resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of national ownership, collaboration, and local participation in realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s mineral wealth.
The event was well-attended, with a diverse audience showing keen interest in the insights shared. The combination of informative content and interactive discussion made for a memorable and impactful session, leaving attendees inspired about the future of mining in Pakistan.
