Pakistan, US Sign Landmark MoUs on Critical Minerals and Infrastructure Investment

APP

Islamabad: A high-level US delegation comprising United States Strategic Metals (USSM) and Mota-Engil, global leaders in mining and infrastructure, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday to explore prospects for mining and infrastructure development in Pakistan.

The delegation also held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior federal ministers. During the visit, they were briefed on Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, including copper, gold, tungsten, antimony, and rare earth elements (REEs).

Two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals development, processing, and logistics services.

The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) signed an MoU with US Strategic Metals (USSM), establishing collaboration in processing and exporting critical minerals essential for defence, aerospace, and technology industries. The partnership begins immediately with mineral exports from Pakistan and includes plans for a $500 million investment to establish a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan, producing intermediate and finished products for the US market.

The cooperation will focus on sustainability, technology transfer, environmental responsibility, and job creation, while also exploring innovative financing solutions such as tokenisation of critical minerals to attract global investors and enhance transparency.

Similarly, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group, a global leader in engineering and construction. Mota-Engil aims to expand its footprint in Pakistan by partnering with public and private sector initiatives to build infrastructure, create local jobs, and ensure sustainable development.

The delegation’s visit and the signing of these MoUs mark a milestone in Pakistan–US economic relations, unlocking new opportunities in mining, logistics, and infrastructure while positioning Pakistan as a hub for critical minerals essential to global industries.