Mineral wealth

GROWING American interest in Pakistan’s critical minerals is no longer speculative. According to US diplomats, American companies are actively examining several mineral projects here as part of Washington’s push to diversify mineral supply chains away from China. That interest has already produced a $500m agreement between the two countries and approval of $1.3bn in US financing for Reko Diq. For Pakistan, the opportunity extends beyond capital inflows. Its mineral wealth can attract new technologies, diversify exports and generate employment. That outcome depends on treating these resources as long-term national assets rather than items to be signed away in closed rooms. The experience of…