PAK, US ADVANCE RARE EARTH MINERALS DEAL

Pakistan and the United States are entering a new phase in their economic and strategic partnership as both sides advance towards implementing an agreement for the export of rare earth minerals, Dawn reported.

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According to the report, US Strategic Metals (USSM), which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan in September, has sent its first consignment of mineral samples to the United States as part of the deal. The American firm plans to invest nearly USD 500 million to set up mineral processing and development facilities in Pakistan.

Sources in Washington told Dawn that the shipment marks a crucial step towards Pakistan's integration into the global critical minerals supply chain, a sector increasingly vital for industrial growth and national security worldwide. The shipment, prepared domestically in coordination with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), includes antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.