Tajikistan presents its mineral potential in Astana

Sherali Kabir, Tajikistan's Minister of Industry and New Technologies, addressed the C5+1 dialogue on critical minerals in Astana, Kazakhstan, presenting his country's investment and industrial capabilities. He highlighted Tajikistan's potential in green energy, rare earth metals extraction, and artificial intelligence.

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The event opens up broad opportunities for establishing partnerships and developing the critical minerals industry.

Kabir expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for hosting the event, emphasizing that the dialogue opens significant avenues for establishing partnerships and advancing the critical minerals industry. During the event, he also met with U.S. President’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, to discuss cooperation in critical minerals within the C5+1 framework.

The minister underscored the strategic importance of critical mineral resources for Tajikistan's accelerated industrialization and its transition to a "green" economy, stressing the need for international cooperation. The C5+1 dialogue, held before the 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress, saw Central Asian nations and the U.S. discussing expanded collaboration in the exploration, extraction, processing, and global supply of critical minerals.

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The topic of critical mineral resources is of strategic importance for achieving the goals of accelerated industrialization of the country and transitioning to a “green” economy.

Discussions also focused on developing mineral resources, processing capabilities, and forming sustainable supply chains. Specific areas for long-term cooperation were outlined, including high-tech processing, industrial clusters, technology transfer, training, scientific collaboration, and logistics infrastructure. An op-ed in MINING.COM noted Tajikistan's significant role as an antimony producer, second only to China, highlighting the metal's use in ammunition, semiconductors, and flame retardant materials.

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Central Asian countries should not be viewed as a single block, as each has its own characteristics in the mining sector.