Islamabad, September 8, 2025(Kamran Raja): A high-level U.S. delegation comprising representatives of United States Strategic Metals (USSM) and Mota-Engil Group, leading global companies in the mining and infrastructure sectors, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today at the Prime Minister’s House.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Federal Ministers.
The delegation is visiting Pakistan to explore opportunities for expansion of mining operations, value addition in mineral resources, and development of supporting infrastructure. During their visit, the delegation also held meetings with the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Petroleum, and the Minister of Commerce. They were briefed on Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, including copper, gold, and rare earth elements.
As a result of the discussions, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
- USSM–FWO MoU on Critical Minerals
The Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals, signed a landmark MoU with United States Strategic Metals (USSM), a leading U.S.-based processor, recycler, and miner headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.- The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in critical minerals essential for defense, aerospace, and technology industries.
- Initial cooperation will begin with exports of minerals including antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements.
- The partnership envisions the establishment of a proprietary USSM poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan with investments of approximately USD 500 million in its first phase.
- The project will focus on sustainability, profitability, environmental responsibility, and job creation while enabling technology transfer.
- Both sides will also explore innovative financing models, including tokenisation of critical minerals, to attract global investors and ensure transparency and liquidity.
- Mota-Engil–NLC MoU on Infrastructure and Logistics
The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group, a global leader in engineering and construction, to collaborate on large-scale infrastructure and logistics projects in Pakistan.- Mota-Engil will explore priority markets aligned with Pakistan’s development vision and private sector initiatives.
- The Group aims to expand its footprint in West Asia while creating long-term partnerships in Pakistan that emphasize technology transfer, local value creation, job generation, and sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the agreements as a milestone in strengthening Pakistan-U.S. economic relations. He highlighted that these partnerships would unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth, attract global investment, and enhance Pakistan’s role in global mineral and logistics supply chains.
The visit of the U.S. delegation and signing of the MoUs mark a significant step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to leverage its natural resource potential, build resilient infrastructure, and foster inclusive development for the benefit of its people.