Pakistan has invited the US Critical Minerals Forum, funded by the US government, to submit a structured proposal for collaboration in the country’s minerals and mining sector.
The development followed a high-level meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Robert Louis Strayer II, President of the Critical Minerals Forum (USA), held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday. H.E. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and related departments also attended.
Both sides discussed cooperation in mineral exploration, supply-chain security, and sustainable investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector. Aurangzeb welcomed the delegation, highlighting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals and ongoing governance reforms.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to legal and regulatory reforms and invited the forum to present a detailed framework for collaboration. He said Pakistan aims to facilitate responsible investment and support mutual benefits through structured engagement.
Aurangzeb noted Pakistan’s growing partnerships with the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia and described the minerals and mining sector as a key driver for future export-led growth.
Strayer said the Critical Minerals Forum works to develop secure and transparent mineral supply chains for US industries, focusing on metals such as copper and antimony. He expressed interest in supporting technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and investor confidence.
The US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s scientific and engineering talent and its potential to become a hub for critical minerals. The Chargé d’Affaires reaffirmed the embassy’s support for promoting US commercial engagement and ensuring strong investor confidence in the minerals sector.
Both sides agreed to continue engagement and collaboration aligned with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared goals for sustainable development.
