The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated talks in Astana between Washington and the five Central Asian states.
The issue was discussed during the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana, where representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the U.S. explored opportunities for closer cooperation in geological exploration, extraction, processing and the supply of strategically important raw materials to international markets.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Kazakhstan's Minister of Industry and Construction, Yersayin Nagaspayev, and the U.S. Presidential Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor. Held ahead of the 16th International Mining and Metallurgical Congress, Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM-2026), the meeting highlighted growing international interest in Central Asia's mineral wealth as governments seek more reliable and diversified supply chains.
Participants focused on strengthening cooperation across the entire value chain, from geological exploration and mining to processing and exports. The discussions reflect wider global efforts to secure access to minerals increasingly regarded as essential for industrial production, energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. In this context, Central Asia's reserves are acquiring greater geopolitical and economic importance.
Kazakhstan, which hosted the talks, positioned itself as a leading regional player in the sector. According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, the country's resource base includes more than 9,500 deposits, with over 100 containing rare and rare earth metals. Over the past seven years, Kazakhstan has invested more than $820 million in geological exploration, expanding opportunities for the development of strategically important resources.
Speaking during the dialogue, Nagaspayev said Kazakhstan views critical minerals as a priority of its industrial policy and long-term economic development strategy. He outlined an approach aimed at moving beyond raw material extraction towards a full production cycle encompassing exploration, mining, processing and manufacturing.
As part of cooperation with the U.S., Kazakhstan proposed the joint implementation of projects focused on critical minerals, including the development of processing facilities, high-technology industries and industrial clusters. Particular attention, according to Nagaspayev, would be given to joint research and engineering centres, alongside training programmes for engineering and technical specialists.
The economic discussions in Astana took place alongside high-level political engagement. During a meeting with Sergio Gor, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to strengthening its expanded strategic partnership with the U.S. and conveyed his respect to U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the presidential administration, Akorda.
Gor, in turn, highlighted growing ties between Washington and the countries of Central Asia, stating that agreements and deals worth more than $20 billion had been reached over the past year. He added that the current pace of engagement represented only the beginning of broader regional co-operation and welcomed Tokayev's participation in the G20 Summit later this year.
Established in 2015, the C5+1 format serves as a multilateral platform for engagement between the U.S. and the five Central Asian states, focusing on economic development, regional cooperation and security.
Sweden's centre-right government has abandoned plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, instead proposing a revised threshold of 14, J...
The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated...
The United States launched overnight strikes on military targets across Iran, as President Donald Trump warns of further attacks unless a peace deal i...
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to seize Kharg Island and other major Iranian oil and gas facilities, escalating tensions between Washingto...
The ambassadors of France, Germany and Britain have attended a meeting at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, raising questions about a possible ceasefire be...
The European Union’s proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia could affect companies in Central Asia, including firms in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as Brussels moves to tighten controls on sanctions circumvention.
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
For much of the post-Soviet era, Russia and Kazakhstan have maintained one of Eurasia’s most stable bilateral relationships. Deep economic ties, shared history and strategic geography continue to bind the two neighbours together, but Astana is increasingly pursuing a more independent path.
Kazakhstan has invited Cyprus to take an active role in the Trans-Caspian transport route, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev saying closer cooperation could link Kazakhstan’s land infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime network and boost trade between Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Ukraine's military said it struck a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Black Sea as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy and logistics networks. The move underscores Kyiv's focus on targeting maritime assets it says are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Israel's cabinet is expected to approve a plan on Thursday (11 June) to allocate around one billion shekels ($338 million) for settlement development in the West Bank, according to reports and anti-settlement campaigners.
India is expected to receive below-average rainfall over the next two weeks, particularly across central and northern regions, as weather systems known as western disturbances slow the advance of the annual monsoon, senior weather officials said.
A prominent Palestinian doctor detained by Israel for more than 500 days appeared by video link before Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday (10 June), marking the first time he has been seen publicly since February, according to rights groups.
All personnel on board a Pakistani military helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday (10 June), according to the country's military.
The United States launched overnight strikes on military targets across Iran, as President Donald Trump warns of further attacks unless a peace deal is reached. Iran responded by targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment