U.S.–Pakistan firms sign landmark agreement for critical mineral exploration

MANSEHRA, Nov 18 (APP): A major breakthrough in Pakistan’s mineral sector has been achieved as a strategic partnership has been finalized between Pakistan’s private company Himalayan Earth Exploration (HEE) and the American company Nova Minerals Limited for the exploration and development of valuable minerals across the country.
Prominent businessman and social figure Hanif Gohar, who is also Chairman of Air Karachi and Himalayan Earth Exploration Company, shared the development during his visit to his hometown Dhodial, Mansehra. Speaking to local journalists, he said the collaboration aims to unlock Pakistan’s vast critical mineral potential and strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and the United States.
According to Gohar, HEE and Nova Minerals (NASDAQ/ASX/FRA: NVA) have entered into a historic agreement under which both companies will represent each other’s interests in Pakistan and the U.S. The partnership will enhance future trade and cooperation in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, energy transition technologies, and rare earth elements (REEs).
He said Pakistan possesses significant reserves of critical minerals and REEs, and the joint venture seeks to accelerate responsible development, promote local value addition, create skilled employment opportunities, and deepen bilateral economic relations.
Nova Minerals CEO Christopher Gerteisen, who accompanied the delegation, thanked local hosts for their warm reception and expressed strong confidence in long-term cooperation.
HEE Director/CEO Liaquat Ali Sultan and Director Jabar Khan said the partnership focuses on innovation, capacity building, and the development of a modern mining ecosystem. They stressed the importance of advanced research and sustainable practices for long-term growth.
HEE a subsidiary of Chinar and Gohar Groups is already leading mineral exploration across Pakistan with a 35-square-kilometer placer gold project and a potential 111-kilometer mineral corridor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, Nova Minerals Limited is progressing its Estelle Project in Alaska, spread over 514 square kilometers in the Tintina Gold Belt, known for multiple gold and antimony prospects.
The new Pak–U.S. partnership is expected to bring investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development to Pakistan’s critical mineral sector while supporting a secure and diversified supply chain for the United States.