TL;DR : Pakistan and the US signed a deal to explore and export rare minerals over five years, led by Pakistan’s military-run FWO. The agreement could be worth up to $1 trillion, though this value is not confirmed. The first shipment has already reached the US. On September 25, 2025, US President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army Chief at the White House to discuss the deal and broader regional issues, including the Gaza peace plan and India-Pakistan tensions.
🔹 Key Points : Pakistan-US Critical Minerals Framework
- Major Minerals Deal Signed:
Pakistan and the US signed a five-year framework agreement (dated May 22, 2025) for joint exploration, mining, processing, and export of critical minerals including rare earth elements, copper, and antimony.
- Military-Run FWO to Lead in Pakistan:
Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO), an engineering body under the Pakistan Army, is the lead agency for operations, logistics, and exploration.
- $1 Trillion Figure Is Aspirational:
The agreement is described as having an "indicative commercial value of up to USD 1 trillion," but this figure is not based on verified reserves and is considered highly optimistic.
- Initial $500M Deal Already Signed:
In September 2025, FWO signed a $500 million agreement with US Strategic Metals (USSM) to begin exports and build poly-metallic refineries in Pakistan. The first mineral shipment has already reached the US.
- Export of Rare Earths Has Begun:
On October 2-3, 2025, Pakistan delivered its first enriched shipment of rare earth elements (about 2 tons) to the US. USSM CEO Stacy Hastie called it the “first step” in a long-term partnership.
- Focus on US Supply Chain Diversification:
The deal aims to help the US reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and aligns with US strategic goals to secure mineral supply chains for energy and defense sectors.
- Security and Feasibility Challenges Remain:
- Oval Office Meeting Confirmed:
- Focus on Strategic Issues:
- Trump Praised Pakistani Leaders:
- Munir’s Role Highlighted:
Most mineral deposits are in unstable regions like Balochistan. Large-scale extraction and export would require heavy infrastructure, investment, and improved security.
🔸 Trump-Shehbaz-Munir White House Meeting (September 25, 2025)
US President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in the Oval Office. The meeting was held in secrecy with no official photos or video released.
Discussions reportedly covered counterterrorism, Afghanistan, the critical minerals pact, and economic ties. The rare earth minerals deal was a major agenda item.
Trump described Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir as “incredible,” praising their support for his proposed Gaza peace plan and Pakistan’s full endorsement of the US 20-point ceasefire proposal.
This was Munir’s third visit to Washington in 2025. Trump credited him for helping prevent a war between India and Pakistan earlier in the year, showing growing US recognition of Pakistan’s military leadership.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
- Natalie Baker, US Chargé d’Affaires:
- Stacy Hastie, CEO of USSM:
- Donald Trump, US President (Reportedly):
Called the $500M MOU “a strength of US-Pakistan ties.”
Described the first shipment as the “first step” in building “economic friendship” and securing US mineral supply chains.
Called Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir “incredible” and credited Munir with helping “prevent war between India and Pakistan.”