Central Asian countries, US aim to deepen cooperation on critical mineralsThe states of Central Asia and the United States discussed expanding cooperation in geological exploration, extraction, processing and supply of critical minerals to global markets at the C5+1 Dialogue platform in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction reported.The C5+1 Dialogue on critical minerals was co-chaired by Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev and U.S. President’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor ahead of the 16th International Mining and Metallurgical Congress AMM-2026. The event was attended by representatives of the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.“Following the meeting, all sides confirmed their interest in developing multilateral cooperation and implementing joint industrial and infrastructure projects,” the ministry said.According to the ministry, participants discussed priority areas of cooperation in developing the mineral resource base, advancing processing capabilities and building sustainable supply chains for strategic raw materials.Dialogue participants also identified key long-term cooperation areas within the C5+1 format, including the development of high-tech raw material processing facilities, creation of industrial clusters, technology transfer, workforce training, scientific and technical cooperation, and development of logistics infrastructure.“The C5+1 Dialogue on critical minerals is aimed at deepening cooperation in the sustainable supply of strategic raw materials, developing technological collaboration, and building reliable global supply chains. Given the growing global demand for critical minerals, these areas are becoming particularly important,” Nagaspayev was quoted as saying in the statement.The minister noted that the critical minerals sector is a priority of Kazakhstan’s industrial policy and long-term economic development.According to the ministry, the republic’s mineral resource base comprises more than 9,500 deposits, over 100 of which contain rare and rare-earth metals. Through digitalization of the industry and the introduction of international standards in the geological exploration sector, Kazakhstan has managed to attract major international companies including Rio Tinto, Barrick Gold, First Quantum, Ivanhoe, Teck, Fortescue and Cove Capital. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX