ISLAMABAD: A high-level US delegation met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Friday to discuss cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, aiming to establish secure and transparent critical mineral supply chains for American industry.
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The delegation, led by Robert Louis Strayer II, president of the Critical Minerals Forum (CMF), met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and senior officials to explore investment opportunities, technology transfer, and regulatory reforms in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
According to an official statement, discussions focused on rare and niche metals, including copper and antimony, as part of Washington’s strategy to reduce dependence on China, which dominates global rare earth supply chains. “China’s dominance of critical mineral supply chains has become a well-known threat to US national security, economic competitiveness, and long-term strategic objectives,” Strayer previously noted.
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Mr Strayer said the CMF sought to “de-risk investments from both financial and security perspectives,” adding that Pakistan’s science and engineering talent offered a competitive advantage. He described Pakistan as having the potential to become a future hub for critical mineral development.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker highlighted the embassy’s commitment to promoting American commercial engagement in Pakistan, stressing the need for strong investor confidence and transparent regulatory frameworks.
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In response, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said Pakistan was undertaking significant legal and regulatory reforms and invited the delegation to submit detailed proposals for collaboration. He described the country’s mineral sector as a “transformational opportunity” capable of driving export-led growth and easing dependence on multilateral assistance.
The U.S. Critical Minerals Forum President, Mr. Robert Louis Strayer II, along with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Natalie Baker, called on the Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team today.
Discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-U.S.… pic.twitter.com/fvUAWxyVJg
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) October 31, 2025
Aurangzeb also pointed to Pakistan’s growing global partnerships, saying the country stands “at a constructive intersection of global relationships — renewed momentum in Pakistan-US ties, time-tested relations with China, and strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.”
The talks took place as Washington and New Delhi announced a 10-year defence framework, underscoring the US’s broader push to strengthen partnerships across Asia amid strategic competition with Beijing.
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Experts at the Atlantic Council have warned that global mineral supply chains are overly dependent on China, which controls much of the refining capacity and has used export restrictions to exert geopolitical pressure. Strayer acknowledged that high investment risk and volatile mineral prices remain major barriers for US companies seeking to diversify supply sources.