ASTANA - The C5+1 Dialogue on Critical Minerals, involving Central Asian countries and the United States, took place in the capital of Kazakhstan. The talks took place against the backdrop of intensifying global competition for rare earth metals and strategic raw materials and were timed to coincide with preparations for the 16th International Mining and Metallurgical Congress (AMM-2026), Kursiv.kz reports.
The meeting was co-chaired by Kazakhstan's Minister of Industry and Construction, Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, and Sergio Gora, the US Special Presidential Envoy for South and Central Asia. Representatives from all countries in the region—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—participated in the discussion.
The focus was on expanding cooperation in the exploration, production, processing, and supply of critical minerals, as well as the development of sustainable production and industrial chains. The parties also discussed the development of logistics routes, attracting investment, technology transfer, and training qualified personnel.
According to Kazakhstan, the country possesses more than 9,500 deposits, over 100 of which contain rare and rare earth metals. It is noted that the digitalization of the industry and the active participation of international companies are already contributing to increased investment and interest in the sector among global players.
Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their interest in further deepening cooperation and developing joint projects in the C5+1 format, as well as strengthening long-term partnerships in the strategic raw materials sector, which is key to global industry and the energy transition.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 10, 2026