By. Irfan Siddiqui
Tokyo / Islamabad:
The discovery of rare earth elements, diamonds, gold, and copper reserves worth USD 97 trillion in the African country of Angola has attracted significant global attention from the mining, technology, and defense sectors. The discovery has been confirmed after extensive research and testing conducted by Australian and Malaysian mining companies, identifying 17 highly valuable rare earth elements crucial for advanced technologies.
For this major international mining project, former Pakistani senator and senior politician Faisal Raza Abidi has been officially appointed as the Chief Consultant. The project is being developed jointly by the African Tobacco Company and the UAE-based Royal Business Group, while the Pan African Tobacco Group continues to play a central role in Angola’s economy. Approximately 300 square kilometers of land has been allocated for mining operations, with preparations underway for the commencement of extraction activities.
To oversee coordination and engagement in Japan, Rana Abid Hussain, President of the Pakistan-Japan Business Council, has been formally appointed as the Japan-based project coordinator. The council will lead strategic coordination with Japanese corporations and facilitate investment and technical collaboration.
According to sources, leading Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Hitachi, along with South Korea’s industrial giant Samsung, have expressed strong interest in participating in the mining project. Faisal Raza Abidi is currently in Japan to meet representatives of these companies and discuss potential partnerships and technical cooperation.
Experts believe that rare earth elements are critical for defense systems, satellite technology, semiconductors, and advanced electronics, and this project could bring transformative economic benefits to Angola while opening long-term strategic and technological opportunities for Pakistan as well.
