ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US Strategic Metals (USSM), a U.S.-based metals company, to strengthen collaboration in the minerals sector.
A high-level US delegation visited Pakistan from September 7 to 9, 2025, to explore opportunities for expanding mining operations, adding value to mineral resources, and developing supporting infrastructure.
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, Minister of Petroleum, and Minister of Commerce, receiving briefings on the country’s vast reserves of copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Pakistan and the United States also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the exploration and production of critical minerals. Senior officials, including US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Zach Harkenrider, attended the meetings.
The Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals, signed a landmark MoU with USSM, a leading processor and miner based in St. Louis, Missouri. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration across critical minerals vital for defense, aerospace, and technology industries.
Under the partnership, Pakistan will immediately begin exporting available minerals such as antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements. The long-term plan includes establishing a USSM proprietary poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan to produce intermediate and finished products for the U.S. market. The first phase of this initiative is expected to involve approximately $500 million in investments.
Next steps under the MoU involve forming dedicated teams to assess Pakistan’s resource potential, identify minerals for immediate export, and establish a long-term collaboration in exploration, extraction, and processing. The partnership will emphasize sustainability, profitability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring mutual benefits. Innovative financing and digital solutions, including tokenization of minerals to attract global investors, are also under consideration to enhance transparency, liquidity, and sectoral value creation.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker described the agreement as a significant milestone for Pakistan-U.S. ties. She highlighted its potential to strengthen economic relations and facilitate further collaboration in mining and critical mineral production, which are essential for technology and renewable energy industries.
Additionally, the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group, a global engineering and construction leader. The initiative aims to identify priority markets in Pakistan, align with government and private sector initiatives, and build long-term partnerships that create jobs, transfer technology, and promote sustainable development.
