US firm signs MoU with Pakistan on critical minerals amid deepening economic ties

A U.S.-based company signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to explore cooperation in critical minerals, marking a new step in expanding economic and strategic ties between Washington and Islamabad.

The agreement was signed at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad by U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM), a Missouri-based firm specializing in producing and recycling critical minerals, and the Frontier Works Organization.

Embassy officials, including Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Zach Harkenrider, attended the ceremony.

Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker welcomed the development, describing it as “yet another example of the strength of the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relationship that will benefit both countries.” She underscored that the Trump administration has made such agreements a priority, given the importance of critical mineral resources to America’s security and prosperity.

Pakistan, US officials pose after MoU signing at Prime Minister House.PID

Critical minerals, defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as essential to advanced manufacturing and energy technologies, have become a focal point of bilateral engagement. Earlier this year, a senior U.S. official noted Washington’s long-term strategic interest in Pakistan’s mineral wealth, stressing its role in supporting high-tech industries.

The MoU builds on recent momentum in economic cooperation. In July, both sides finalized a trade deal that reduced reciprocal tariffs from 29 percent to 19 percent. This followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans for U.S.-Pakistan collaboration on developing Pakistan’s substantial oil reserves.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in April, highlighted that the country’s mineral reserves are valued in the trillions of dollars. He said effective utilization of these resources could help Pakistan move beyond IMF dependence and ease its growing debt burden.