Pakistan is sitting atop vast untapped mineral wealth — copper, lithium, cobalt, gold and rare earth elements — critical for the energy transition and modern technology. The global demand for these resources is rising as nations are trying to meet clean energy goals and reduce carbon emissions. Electric vehicles, batteries and other low-carbon technologies all require rare minerals. Whether Pakistan's inefficient and inequitable mining sector can benefit from these opportunities remains to be seen.

Much of Pakistan's mineral extraction is done through artisanal and small-scale mines, which are operated informally, where workers toil in hazardous conditions. Such mining operations also pay little heed to environmental concerns, or the welfare of surrounding communities.

Despite such concerns, Pakistan is becoming a site of strategic mineral investments. China has steadily expanded its economic footprint in Pakistan, and is already engaged in the mining copper, gold and silver. The US is now........

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