On September 28, 2025, an image emerged that sent ripples through diplomatic and business circles alike: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, standing beside US President Donald Trump at the White House, presenting him with a striking wooden box filled with vibrant mineral samples. The box, open for the cameras, contained stones believed to be bastnaesite and monazite—minerals rich in rare earth elements like cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, as reported by The Economic Times and Al Jazeera. These elements are critical for a range of modern technologies, from electric vehicles to advanced defense systems.
The scene was more than a photo opportunity. It symbolized a new chapter in Pakistan-US relations, centered on the promise—and the geopolitics—of minerals. The visual was especially eye-catching: not only because of the colorful stones, but also because Prime Minister Sharif wore a lapel pin featuring both the US and Pakistani flags, a gesture that drew a mix of pride and mockery on Pakistani social media. Some called it “embarrassing,” but the symbolism was clear: Pakistan is eager to showcase its willingness to partner with Washington on resources that are increasingly vital to the global economy.
Yet, for all the spectacle, the White House itself remained silent. There were no official photographs or statements released about the meeting—an unusual move, given the high-level nature of the encounter. According to Al Jazeera, this meeting was a follow-up to a high-profile signing ceremony in Islamabad earlier in the month, where Sharif and Munir witnessed the inking of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with United States Strategic Metals (USSM), a Missouri-based private firm specializing in critical minerals.
The details of these agreements are ambitious. According to both The Economic Times and Al Jazeera, the initial phase involves $500 million in US investment, with the first step focused on the export of readily available minerals such as antimony and copper concentrates to American markets. This phase, scheduled for 2025–2026, aims to generate quick revenue for Pakistan by tapping into minerals that are already accessible, even as more extensive exploration continues.
The second phase, planned for 2026–2028, envisions the construction of processing plants and refineries within Pakistan itself. This would involve the transfer of technology for the separation and purification of rare earth elements—a significant step for a country that has long struggled to move up the value chain in its mineral sector. The third and most ambitious phase, stretching beyond 2028, calls for large-scale exploration and exploitation, including drilling in high-potential rare earth belts and the development of five to ten mining projects.
Pakistan’s mineral wealth is no secret, though much of it remains untapped. The country boasts reserves of oil, gas, and a variety of minerals, particularly in the conflict-prone regions of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. There’s also ongoing exploration in Gilgit-Baltistan. However, as Al Jazeera notes, these deposits are still under exploration and large-scale commercial extraction is likely years away. The MoUs signed with USSM are not binding mining licenses, but they signal a clear intent to attract larger investors and accelerate development in the sector.
What’s driving this sudden minerals diplomacy? Experts see it as a strategic recalibration. One former Pakistani army general, quoted by Al Jazeera, described the engagement as a “strategic handshake wrapped in economic opportunity, resource diplomacy and symbolic recalibration.” The move is widely interpreted as an effort to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with Washington at a time when global demand for critical minerals is soaring—and when China, through its Belt and Road-linked China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has already made significant inroads into the country’s infrastructure and resource sectors.
This balancing act is not lost on observers. By courting American investment in its minerals sector, Pakistan appears to be hedging its bets, seeking to diversify its partnerships and reduce overreliance on any single foreign power. The minerals in question—antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and especially rare earth elements—are essential for a wide array of industries, from clean energy to national defense. As the world scrambles for secure supplies of these resources, Pakistan’s reserves have become a focal point of international interest.
Still, the road ahead is anything but straightforward. Translating these high-profile agreements into tangible commercial gains will require more than just diplomatic handshakes and photo ops. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera warn that success hinges on careful management of local security, infrastructure, and community engagement. Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while mineral-rich, have long histories of unrest and instability. Any attempt to ramp up extraction will need to address local grievances and ensure that benefits are shared with affected communities—a lesson learned the hard way in many resource-rich but conflict-prone regions around the world.
The September 8 signing ceremony in Islamabad, attended by both Sharif and Munir, underlined the seriousness of Pakistan’s push. The agreements with USSM cover not just the export of minerals but also the eventual establishment of processing facilities in Pakistan, a move that could create jobs and foster technology transfer. The hope is that by adding value at home, Pakistan can capture a greater share of the profits from its natural resources, rather than simply exporting raw materials.
But there are significant hurdles. Infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many of the targeted regions, and the security situation is fragile. Moreover, the global minerals market is notoriously volatile, subject to sudden swings in demand and price. Pakistan’s leaders will need to navigate these challenges carefully if they hope to realize the full potential of their mineral endowments.
For now, the photograph of Sharif, Munir, and Trump—colorful stones in hand—serves as a potent symbol of both promise and complexity. It’s a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, resources are as much about geopolitics as geology. As Pakistan positions itself as a reliable supplier of critical minerals, the true test will be whether these diplomatic overtures can translate into sustainable development and meaningful economic gains for its people.
The coming months will reveal whether this “strategic handshake” will deliver more than just memorable images—and whether Pakistan can truly become a key player in the global race for critical minerals.
