Russia eyes Central Asia rare earth partnerships amid global minerals race

Russia is seeking to expand cooperation with Central Asian countries in the exploration, extraction and processing of rare earth metals, underlining the region's growing importance in the global race for critical raw materials.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described Central Asia as a strategically important region with significant reserves of rare earth elements and other critical materials. She said Moscow is interested in strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and views the countries of the region as sovereign and independent partners.

According to Zakharova, Russia's approach focuses on economic cooperation, including local processing, scientific and technological collaboration, workforce training and industrial development.

Central Asia's growing mineral significance

The renewed interest comes as Central Asia attracts increasing international attention for its mineral wealth. In 2025, Kazakhstan announced the discovery of a rare earth metals deposit estimated at more than 20 million tonnes. If confirmed, the find could place the country among the world's leading holders of rare earth resources.

Kazakhstan is also capable of producing more than half of the 34 materials designated by the European Union as critical raw materials, including lithium, cobalt, copper, tungsten and rare earth elements. Kazakhstan's Senate has previously estimated the value of the country's mineral resources at $46 trillion.

Competition for critical minerals

China remains the dominant player in the region's critical minerals sector. According to industry estimates, around 70% of Central Asia's critical mineral output is exported to China, underscoring Beijing's strong position in regional supply chains.

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Much of Central Asia's resource potential remains unexplored. Experts estimate that the region's five countries collectively hold around 38.6% of global manganese ore reserves, 31% of chromium reserves, 20% of lead reserves, 12.6% of zinc reserves and 8.7% of titanium reserves. The region also contains significant deposits of copper, cobalt and molybdenum.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Central Asia is home to 384 identified rare earth and rare metal deposits. Kazakhstan accounts for 160 of them, followed by Uzbekistan with 87, Kyrgyzstan with 75, Tajikistan with 60 and Turkmenistan with two.

Strategic importance rising

Experts say Central Asia is gaining strategic importance as countries seek new sources of critical minerals and look to diversify supply chains. The region's large reserves and largely untapped deposits are drawing increasing attention from international investors and governments alike.

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Russia Central Asia Kazakhstan Rare Earth mining