Critical minerals at the center of a new agreement.
The United States and Uzbekistan are set to deepen their cooperation. On Wednesday, a framework agreement was concluded in Washington, D.C., to support joint investments in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals. With regard to the latter, the entire value chain, from extraction to processing, will be in focus, according to a press release issued by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Uzbekistan is already a significant producer of critical raw materials, including rhenium, uranium, tellurium, and indium, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The agency also identifies substantial potential for tungsten resources. Closer cooperation in the raw materials sector had already been agreed upon in 2024. The United States is likewise seeking stronger engagement with other Central Asian states, where mining is prominently featured on their strategic agendas.
China and Russia currently rank among the most important trading partners of the Central Asian countries, though their relative importance varies by country’s trade structure and economic orientation.
Photo: iStock/Oleksii Liskonih