Pakistan sent its first shipment of enriched rare earth elements and critical minerals to U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) in Missouri, marking the start of a $500 million partnership signed in September between Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and USSM. The deal aims to establish a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan, enhancing economic ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the milestone as a step toward secure, diversified supply chains. USSM CEO Stacy W. Hastie called it a foundation for stronger US-Pakistan relations. The shipment included antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.
The US seeks to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals. In August 2025, the Department of the Interior added six commodities, including copper and silver, to its list of critical minerals. Additionally, the Department of Energy pledged nearly $1 billion to boost mining and manufacturing, aligning with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy order. This partnership with Pakistan supports those goals, ensuring resources for energy, defence, and industry.
Read:
The deal coincides with a surging market for rare earths. Lithium Corp (OTC: LTUM), a $5 million micro-cap, saw shares jump 900% to $0.44 after announcing neodymium and dysprosium finds in British Columbia. Meanwhile, USA Rare Earth Inc. (NASDAQ: USAR) acquired UK-based Less Common Metals to build a mine-to-magnet supply chain for its Oklahoma facility.
Pakistan’s entry into the rare earths market strengthens US supply chains and boosts bilateral ties. The $500 million refinery deal signifies a long-term economic partnership. As global demand for critical minerals grows, this partnership positions both nations strategically.
