Finnish Firm Metso to Supply Equipment for Reko Diq, Train Pakistani Workforce

Finnish mineral technology giant Metso has cemented its role as a key equipment supplier for the landmark Reko Diq project and announced plans to train Pakistani talent, a move hailed by the government as a significant step toward sustainable, inclusive growth in the country’s minerals sector. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and a Finnish delegation led by Finland’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Hannu Ripatti, Metso’s President of Minerals Piia Karhu, and Honorary Consul General of Pakistan to Finland Willie Eerola. According to an official statement, discussions centered on Pakistan’s rapidly evolving minerals sector, which Minister Malik described as being at a “transformational moment” thanks to regulatory reforms, renewed investor confidence, and flagship projects like Reko Diq. “Pakistan is decisively shifting from primitive methods of mining to a more sophisticated, mechanized, and responsible mining model,” Malik said. “We have updated the regulatory setup to harmonize our mineral framework and ensure global competitiveness.” He singled out Reko Diq as the “torch bearer” for the sector’s future, assuring the Finnish delegation of a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. Malik reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating high-quality international partnerships that bring not just capital and technology, but also tangible benefits for local communities. Metso’s Piia Karhu praised Pakistan’s clear direction and commitment to sectoral reform. “We also plan to train the local human resources, aligning with Pakistan’s goals for sustainable development and long-term skill enhancement,” she announced. The minister welcomed Metso’s investment and its focus on local capacity building, calling it an essential pillar of Pakistan’s mining future. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration between Pakistani and Finnish companies, particularly in technology transfer, skill development, and responsible mineral extraction.