Govt signs MoU with US firm on critical minerals cooperation

A US company focused on critical minerals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) on Monday, in a deal both sides said would strengthen bilateral cooperation. The MoU was signed at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad by a delegation led by US Strategic Metals (USSM), accompanied by Embassy Islamabad Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Zach Harkenrider. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker said the agreement reflected the depth of ties between the two nations. “This signing is yet another example of the strength of the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship that will benefit both countries,” she said in a statement. Excited to see U.S. companies like USSM deepening economic ties with Pakistan! USSM’s visit to Islamabad marks an important milestone as they sign an MOU to collaborate on critical minerals production. A forward-looking partnership with great potential for both nations. -NB… — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 8, 2025 Baker said Washington placed high priority on such agreements. “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. “We look forward to seeing future agreements between US companies and their counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector in Pakistan.” USSM, based in Missouri, is engaged in producing and recycling critical minerals defined by the US Department of Energy as vital for advanced manufacturing and energy production. According to the statement issued by the PM's Office, a high-level US business delegation visited Pakistan this week to explore opportunities for expanding mining operations and investing in infrastructure and value-added mineral processing. The delegation, comprising representatives of USSM and Mota-Engil, toured Pakistan from September 7–9. It held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the petroleum minister and the federal commerce minister. The companies were briefed on Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, including copper, gold and rare earth elements. The visit was supported by the US Embassy in Islamabad and underscored “strong bilateral ties in the economic and investment sectors,” the statement added. During the visit, the firms expressed willingness to invest in setting up value-addition facilities, expanding mineral processing capacity and financing large-scale infrastructure projects linked to mining. Read More: Pakistan, US seal trade deal In the second term of Donald Trump’s presidency, US-Pakistan relations have taken a new turn, particularly after the conflict with India. In late July, the United States struck a trade deal with Pakistan. Trump said the agreement included joint development of the country’s “massive” oil reserves. "We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves," Trump wrote in post on his social media platform of 'Truth Social'. "We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they'll be selling Oil to India some day!" the US president wrote in his post, without giving additional details of the deal. PM Shehbaz also expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in finalising a “historic” trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States. “I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump for his leadership role in finalization of the historic US-Pakistan trade agreement, successfully concluded by our two sides in Washington, last night,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline. Earlier in June, COAS Munir also held a one-on-one meeting with Trump. Trump said it was an honour to meet Field Marshal Munir during a luncheon held at the White House on Wednesday. Speaking to the media after the event, Trump extended his gratitude to Pakistan's military chief for visiting and acknowledged the army chief’s role in helping avert further military escalation with India. “It is an honour for me to meet Asim Munir,” Trump said. “I invited him to thank him for not going to war. He deserves appreciation for helping secure the ceasefire. Pakistan and India are both nuclear powers. We’re in talks with Pakistan on a trade agreement. The leadership of both nations is truly remarkable,” he added.

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