Deals span the entire value chain — from exploration to processing.
Earlier this week, a delegation from Uzbekistan held a series of meetings with U.S. business representatives, resulting in the signing of several agreements across the critical minerals value chain, according to a statement from the Uzbek government. The projects cover various stages, including exploration, mining, processing, and other value-adding activities in the sector. In addition to critical minerals, discussions also touched on opportunities in the tourism and food industries.
Also this week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, in Washington to discuss the broader strategic partnership between the two nations. Rubio highlighted the importance of cooperation in the critical minerals sector as a key component of strengthening bilateral ties.
Resource-Rich Central Asia Becoming Increasingly Relevant
The Central Asian state of Uzbekistan, like its neighboring countries, is rich in natural resources. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Uzbekistan is a leading producer of molybdenum, rhenium, and cadmium and also has a significant copper, silver, and zinc industry. Positioned as a potential alternative to industry leader China, Uzbekistan’s resource wealth prompted the U.S. to sign a memorandum of understanding with the country last year to strengthen cooperation in the sector (we reported). For 2025, Uzbekistan is targeting approximately $1 billion in investments into its mining and mineral industries.
Beyond the United States, other global players have also recognized the potential Central Asia holds. Last week, Uzbekistan hosted the first EU–Central Asia summit, where both sides committed to strengthening cooperation. As part of the initiative, the European Union announced plans to invest roughly $13 billion (€12 billion) into key sectors across the region.
Photo: iStock/shotbydave