ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take part in the inaugural Critical Minerals moot at the US Department of State on Wednesday, as Islamabad seeks to attract foreign investment and build strategic partnerships in the minerals and energy sectors.
Federal Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik is leading Pakistan’s delegation at the two-day conference, which brings together representatives from more than 50 countries to discuss strengthening and diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals—materials that are crucial for advanced technology, clean energy transition, and defence industries.
According to the US State Department, the ministerial aims to “advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains” and foster international collaboration to secure resources vital for technological innovation, economic stability, and national security.
The conference will feature opening remarks from US Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Global Supply Chains David Copley, and Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg.
Secretary Rubio is also expected to engage with visiting delegations during a press briefing.
Pakistan plans to use the platform to showcase its largely unexplored mineral reserves, including copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Islamabad has already signed memoranda of understanding worth approximately $500 million with US partners for cooperation in developing and processing critical minerals, signaling growing bilateral engagement in this strategic sector.
Minister Malik arrived in Washington on Sunday along with senior officials and technical experts responsible for promoting foreign investment and international collaboration in Pakistan’s mining sector.
US officials have indicated that discussions will focus on supply-chain resilience, investment frameworks, and sustainable mining, processing, and recycling practices.
The meeting includes participation from major industrial and mineral-rich nations such as G7 members, India, South Korea, Australia, and several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Kenya.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is expected to attend alongside his mining minister. Pakistan’s participation aligns with its broader strategy to position itself as a reliable destination for critical mineral investment while maintaining a balanced approach amid global competition over these resources. Islamabad has invited both China and the United States to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026, scheduled for April 8–9 in Islamabad, aiming to secure investment for an estimated $6–8 billion in annual mineral export potential.
The forum will focus on copper, gold, and rare earth minerals, while also strengthening cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and engaging other international partners.
Pakistan’s delegation is expected to remain in Washington for the rest of the week to attend additional sessions and hold bilateral meetings with government officials and industry representatives.
