US firms eye Pakistan's critical mineral supply chain
• Smaller mines and larger copper, antimony projects under consideration • US Embassy official says Reko Diq moving forward, but slower than expected • Encourages Pakistan to provide level playing field to American firms • Finance minister
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US companies are exploring opportunities in Pakistan’s mining sector as Washington intensifies efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains worldwide, according to Dawn and a US Embassy official speaking at a background briefing in Islamabad.
The interest covers both smaller mines and larger projects, including potential investment in copper and antimony. The official said American firms are examining options to take over and develop smaller assets, while also considering bigger commitments in major mineral projects.
Focus on critical mineral supplies
The US Embassy official said the Trump administration has been looking at critical mineral supply chains across several countries, including Pakistan, with support from multilateral agencies as well as the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
The official also said the US Exim Bank has committed $1.25 billion for the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan. Financing terms, however, are still being finalised. The official added that Reko Diq is moving ahead, although more slowly than expected.
Trade talks running alongside investment interest
The business outreach comes as Pakistan and the United States continue talks on a bilateral trade agreement. In a virtual meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reviewed progress on negotiations for a reciprocal trade framework.
According to the Ministry of Finance, both sides said the talks had advanced significantly and reiterated their commitment to concluding the agreement as early as possible.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and officials in Washington have been working with American companies to identify investment opportunities in Pakistan, including trade-linked prospects. The Embassy official also urged Pakistan to offer a level playing field to US firms.
What it means for Pakistan
Pakistan has long been seeking foreign investment in its mining sector, especially in large copper deposits and other mineral resources that can support export earnings and industrial development. The renewed US interest suggests that critical minerals may become a more prominent part of the wider Pakistan-US economic relationship.
For now, the key developments are exploratory rather than final. The strongest confirmed signals are the ongoing engagement around Reko Diq, the broader search by US firms for mining opportunities, and the parallel movement in trade talks between Islamabad and Washington.
FAQ
What mineral projects are US firms looking at in Pakistan?
According to the feed, interest includes smaller mines and larger projects, especially copper and antimony.
Is Reko Diq part of this interest?
Yes. The US Embassy official said the project is moving forward, though more slowly than expected, and noted a $1.25 billion Exim Bank commitment.
Are Pakistan and the US also discussing trade?
Yes. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reviewed progress on a bilateral trade framework in a virtual meeting.
The developments point to growing commercial engagement, but the details shared so far indicate that several of the potential investments are still at an early stage.
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