ISLAMABAD: US Strategic Metals (USSM) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO), marking a new chapter in US-Pakistan cooperation in the critical minerals sector, the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a press release.

The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s House, with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Zach Harkenrider and other senior officials in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker described the agreement as “yet another example of the strength of the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship,” emphasizing that it stands to benefit both countries.

“The Trump administration has made the forging of such deals a key priority, given the importance of critical mineral resources to American security and prosperity,” she said.

Baker also expressed optimism about future collaboration between US and Pakistani firms in mining and mineral development.

About US strategic metals

Based in Missouri, USSM specializes in the production and recycling of critical minerals. These include elements deemed essential by the US Department of Energy for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and national defense applications.

Strategic opportunity

The MoU comes just weeks after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s interest in deepening collaboration with Pakistan on critical minerals and hydrocarbons.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said in August that the government is actively offering joint venture opportunities to foreign investors, particularly in Balochistan, home to major projects such as the Reko Diq copper-gold mine.

According to the Geological Survey of Pakistan, the country holds an estimated $6 trillion worth of mineral assets. Despite this vast potential, much of it remains underdeveloped and untapped.

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