Islamabad:
Pakistan and the United States signed two comprehension memoranda (MOU) aimed at developing and processing critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REE), in an important development seen as part of the recent restart in bilateral ties.
The MOU was signed between the strategic metals of the USA (USSM) and the Frontier works organization (FWO), the largest critical mineral minerals in Pakistan; and the Mota-Engil Group (MEG) and the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan (NLCP).
Currently, a delegation that includes senior USSM officials and the MEG is visiting Pakistan to explore opportunities to expand mining operations in Pakistan and evaluate the value of value assessment in mineral resources and the development of support infrastructure.
The delegation held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Chamber of Prime Minister, where the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, head of the Army staff seafood, Syed also, the Minister of Petroleum and the Minister of Commerce were also present.
During the meeting, the delegation expressed the preparation of investing in establishing value -added facilities within the country, improving mineral processing capacity and developing large -scale infrastructure projects linked to the mining sector.
The Mous were signed at the Prime Minister’s house in the presence of the Chief of Interim Mission at the United States Embassy in Islamabad, Zach Harkenrider, who accompanied a delegation. Natalie Babertermed of the United States.
According to a statement issued by the United States Embassy, the USSM, based in ST Louis, Missouri, “specializes in producing and recycling critical minerals that the United States Department of Energy has identified as essential for advanced manufacturing and energy production.”
The MOU signed between the USSM and the FWO establishes a framework for collaboration in a variety of critical minerals essential for defense, aerospace and technology industries, said a press release issued here.
The association will begin immediately with the export of easily available minerals from Pakistan, including antimony, copper, gold, tungsten and rare earth elements, authorities said. The first phase of this agreement is expected by approximately $ 500 million in the critical mineral sector of Pakistan.
This cooperation feels the basis to expand the establishment of a highly flexible poly-metallic refinery of USSM in Pakistan. The refinery will produce intermediate and finished products dedicated to satisfying the growing demand of the US market.
The following steps include the formation of dedicated equipment to explore the maximum potential of the vast basis of Pakistan resources, identify critical minerals for immediate export and build an anchor position for a long -term association in exploration, extraction and processing.
It is important to note that cooperation will prioritize sustainability, profitability and environmental responsibility to guarantee the benefits for the peoples of both nations. “Both parties will also explore innovative financing and digital solutions, such as the token of critical minerals, allowing global investors to participate in the mineral wealth of Pakistan and further accelerate transparency, liquidity and value creation.”
The Mou between the NLCP and the EGP, a world leader in engineering and construction, aimed at building long -term associations that take advantage of the Global Knowledge of the EGP, while creating value locally through employment creation, technology transfer and sustainable development.
Officials from both sides said the signature of the Mous marked a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to attract global investments in the mining and logistics sectors. The Mous also strengthened the bilateral relationship, while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth, technological transfer and employment creation.
“[The MoU are] Another example of the strength of the bilateral relationship of the United States for Pakistan that will benefit both countries, “said the United States Cargo Natalie Baker.
The agreement comes at a time when Islamabad and Washington seek to recalibrate ties after years of distrust. A key factor that drives this commitment is the non -exploited mineral wealth of Pakistan, which the government expects to develop with foreign investment. Analysts point out that the participation of the FWO, an arm of the Pakistan army, underlines the central role of the military in the development of resources.
The firm follows the Army Field Marshal meeting with US President Donald Trump in June, which many saw as an advance to revive the strategic dialogue. Both parties had agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment and security, with critical minerals identified as a priority area.
The authorities say that Monday’s signature could pave the way for more American companies to enter Pakistan’s mining and energy sectors, injecting a very necessary investment at a time when the country seeks to stabilize the economy.
Pakistan and the relations of the United States have often been transnational and mainly in the past they have remained driven by security. Islamabad for decades has pressed to diversify relations with Washington beyond security and Afghanistan.
