MINEX Forum

Tag: United States

  • Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Heads to Washington for Critical Minerals Talks with the United States

    Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Heads to Washington for Critical Minerals Talks with the United States

    Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev will travel to Washington DC on 3–4 February to take part in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, marking his first official visit to the United States since assuming office in September 2025. On 3 February, he is scheduled to meet with the United States Department of State and representatives of other rare earth element (REE) supplier countries.

    Kosherbayev, a career diplomat, previously served as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Russia, governor of the East Kazakhstan Region, and deputy prime minister, combining diplomatic, regional and executive experience. His visit also includes engagement with Yerzhan Kazykhan, appointed in January as Kazakhstan’s first-ever Special Envoy to the United States, underscoring Astana’s emphasis on high-level engagement with Washington.

    The trip follows months of intensified diplomatic and economic contacts between Kazakhstan and the United States. Since November, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and US President Donald Trump have met twice in person and held a phone call, with discussions spanning trade, investment and global forums, including an invitation to the G20 meeting scheduled for December 2026.

    Critical minerals have emerged as a central pillar of this renewed engagement. Rare earth elements form a key part of Washington’s supply-chain diversification strategy, and Kazakhstan’s geological potential positions it as a relevant partner. This alignment has already been formalized through a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in critical minerals, signed by Tokayev, aimed at strengthening supply chains and expanding bilateral economic ties.

    Investor interest has begun to follow diplomatic signaling. US-backed initiatives and early-stage engagement from investors, including Cove Capital, as well as a letter of interest of up to $900 million from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, point to growing momentum, even as projects remain at an early phase.

    Unlike many emerging REE suppliers, Kazakhstan brings an existing industrial base to the table. Its established processing and refining capacity across metals such as uranium, copper, chromium and titanium allows the country to participate across the value chain rather than act solely as a raw-material exporter. Long-standing partnerships with global majors like Chevron and Exxon Mobil further reinforce Kazakhstan’s track record in delivering complex, capital-intensive projects.

    Still, translating strategic alignment into functioning supply chains will depend on execution. Regulatory clarity, permitting efficiency and coordination between mining and industrial policy remain key variables. The State Department–hosted meetings during Kosherbayev’s visit represent an initial step from diplomacy toward implementation, as Kazakhstan seeks to position itself as a credible long-term partner in US efforts to diversify rare earth and critical mineral supplies.

  • Allied Nations to Meet in Washington on Critical Minerals Strategy as De-Risking from China Accelerates

    Allied Nations to Meet in Washington on Critical Minerals Strategy as De-Risking from China Accelerates

    Ministers from the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will gather in Washington this week to discuss the creation of a closer strategic alliance on critical minerals, as governments intensify efforts to reduce dependence on China-dominated supply chains.

    The meeting, convened by United States Department of State and led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will also include around 20 countries such as G7 members, India, South Korea, Mexico and potentially Argentina. It marks the second such summit in less than a month and is widely seen as part of a broader attempt to repair strained transatlantic relations and coordinate non-China sourcing strategies for minerals essential to energy transition, defence and advanced manufacturing.

    Australia underscored the urgency of the talks last week by announcing plans to establish a A$1.2 billion strategic reserve of critical minerals considered vulnerable to supply disruption from China. Canberra’s move follows Beijing’s decision last April to restrict rare earth exports in response to trade measures introduced under US President Donald Trump.

    A key issue on the Washington agenda will be whether the United States should guarantee minimum prices for critical minerals and rare earths to support investment in alternative supply chains. Reports this week that Washington may have ruled out such guarantees triggered a sell-off in Australian mining stocks, highlighting the sensitivity of the sector to policy signals. Australia has positioned itself as a major alternative supplier to China and plans to stockpile minerals such as antimony and gallium regardless of US pricing decisions.

    “Strengthening critical mineral supply chains with international partners is vital for the US economy, national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future,” the State Department said ahead of the summit.

    The European Union is expected to use the meeting to push for progress on broader trade irritants, including US tariffs on steel derivatives. EU officials argue that new levies on products containing steel, from bicycles to wind turbines, undermine trust following a tariff deal agreed last year. Brussels hopes the talks could pave the way for a joint statement that would signal a shift toward closer coordination with Washington on de-risking from China rather than recurring trade disputes.

    The European Commission has repeatedly warned that Europe remains highly exposed to Chinese supply chains, particularly for rare earth permanent magnets. According to Commission officials, the EU consumes around 20,000 tonnes of permanent magnets annually, with roughly 17,000–18,000 tonnes sourced from China and only about 1,000 tonnes produced domestically.

    Japan, which has long maintained strategic mineral stockpiles to guard against supply disruptions, is often cited by policymakers as a model for resilience. European and UK officials say closer alignment with partners such as Japan and Australia will be essential if Western economies are to secure stable access to minerals critical for everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets and renewable energy systems.

  • Uzbekistan’s Akfa Group Launches Construction of $600 Million Manufacturing Complex in the United States

    Uzbekistan’s Akfa Group Launches Construction of $600 Million Manufacturing Complex in the United States

    Uzbekistan’s Akfa Group has begun construction of a major manufacturing facility in Kentucky, marking one of the largest US industrial investments by a Central Asian company to date. Founder and former Tashkent mayor Jakhongir Artikkhodjayev said the project, developed jointly with a Turkish partner, will produce aluminum goods, automotive components, and parts for solar panels and window systems.

    Artikkhodjayev confirmed that $105 million will be invested during the first year of construction, with total project funding expected to reach $600 million. The Kentucky complex is intended to strengthen Akfa’s industrial footprint abroad while supporting US demand for specialized aluminum and renewable energy components.

    The businessman, who leads a diversified portfolio including Artel Electronics, Akfa Aluminium, Akfa Logistics and other companies, has been expanding domestic and international projects since leaving his post as Tashkent mayor in 2023. In Uzbekistan, he recently announced plans to launch six new hotels and develop a large medical clinic in partnership with a US healthcare provider.

  • US–Central Asia Summit Triggers Wave of Strategic Metals Deals Across the Region

    US–Central Asia Summit Triggers Wave of Strategic Metals Deals Across the Region

    A series of major announcements followed the recent US–Central Asia Summit in Washington, where American companies outlined plans to step up exploration and extraction of strategic minerals in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and neighboring states. The push aligns with President Donald Trump’s call to secure critical materials for the United States amid efforts to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains.

    One of the largest initiatives involves a $1.1 billion joint venture between Kazakhstan’s Kazgeologia and US-based Cove Capital to develop the North Katpar and Verkhnee Kairakty tungsten deposits—assets holding roughly 1.3 million tonnes of tungsten oxide. This comes after reports that China attempted to outbid the US for the same project, highlighting growing strategic competition between the two powers. While American companies seek access to tungsten for defense applications, Chinese firms such as Jiaxin International Resources continue expanding their own footprint in Kazakhstan, including at the Boguty deposit.

    Uzbekistan also announced agreements with two US companies—Denali Exploration Group and ReElement Technologies—focused on rare earth elements. Earlier this year, Tashkent signed a separate memorandum with China National Gold Group, underscoring the region’s role as a battleground for critical mineral partnerships.

    Experts say the surge in US interest poses minimal risk to Russia, whose investment focus in Central Asia remains tied to oil, gas, and uranium via Rosatom and Kazatomprom. Analysts argue that Central Asian states are leveraging geopolitical competition to secure better investment conditions, diversify partners, and strengthen their bargaining power with Russia and China.

    At the same time, they caution that the new agreements carry risks for the region, particularly if they mirror the disadvantageous production-sharing contracts of the 1990s. Some deals involve large purchases of US-made goods, such as aircraft, rather than localised production, which could create long-term financial obligations.

    Still, specialists note that Donald Trump’s approach remains pragmatic: securing critical minerals for US industries while opening new export markets. For Central Asia, the challenge will be to balance relationships across the US, China, Russia, and the EU, extracting maximum benefit while avoiding overdependence on any single power.

  • Solvay Signs Two US Supply Deals to Boost Rare Earth Processing Capacity in France

    Solvay Signs Two US Supply Deals to Boost Rare Earth Processing Capacity in France

    Chemicals group Solvay has secured two new supply agreements with US magnet manufacturers as it accelerates efforts to scale up rare earth processing at its La Rochelle plant in France. The company, one of the few outside China capable of performing complex rare earth separation, began limited processing in April and has been seeking commercial commitments from industry and government partners to expand production.

    Solvay will supply neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium (NdPr and DyTb) to Texas-based Noveon Magnetics under the first agreement. These elements are essential for neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, defence systems, consumer electronics, and wind turbines. Noveon began commercial production of sintered NdFeB magnets in 2023.

    A second agreement with Permag covers the supply of samarium oxide, which will be converted into samarium metal by UK-based Less Common Metals. Samarium-based magnets can withstand extremely high temperatures and are widely used in defence and nuclear applications.

    Solvay CEO Philippe Kehren said the initial deliveries involve limited volumes but noted that the La Rochelle facility could rapidly increase output. Production of NdPr and samarium oxide will begin shortly, while DyTb output is expected to start in 2026.

    Kehren also indicated that Solvay is exploring the possibility of building a rare earths processing plant in the United States, where financial support for strategic materials is stronger than in Europe. Company executives said US customers are already willing to sign long-term contracts, while European buyers are still moving more slowly despite recognizing the need for supply chain independence.

  • Tau-Ken Samruk and U.S. Cove Capital to Jointly Develop Major Tungsten Deposits in Kazakhstan

    Tau-Ken Samruk and U.S. Cove Capital to Jointly Develop Major Tungsten Deposits in Kazakhstan

    Kazakhstan’s state mining holding Tau-Ken Samruk and U.S.-based Cove Capital have signed an agreement to jointly develop the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty tungsten deposits in the Karaganda region. The document was signed on the sidelines of the C5+1 Summit in Washington, D.C.

    According to Reuters, the joint venture will be 70% controlled by Cove Capital, with total investments estimated at $1.1 billion, including up to $900 million in financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), kursiv.media reported.

    Specialists are already conducting preparatory work for the feasibility study (FS) for the Northern Katpar project. The investment initiative foresees the use of existing primary processing capacities in Kazakhstan to produce ammonium paratungstate (APT) — a key intermediate product for high-demand materials such as tungsten powders and wear-resistant components used in tools, machinery, and defense applications.

    The Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty deposits are considered among the largest tungsten reserves in the world, with combined resources of up to 410,000 tonnes of tungsten, according to the JORC classification.

    Tau-Ken Samruk acquired LLP Northern Katpar and the deposit itself in 2015 for 7.7 billion tenge, while the Upper Kairakty exploration license was obtained in 2016.

    Founded in 2015, Cove Capital invests in renewable energy and mining projects. In Kazakhstan, the U.S. company is already engaged in rare and rare-earth metal exploration at the Gremyachinsky site in East Kazakhstan and Akbulak in the Kostanay region.

  • Trump Hails “Incredible $100 Billion Deal” Between the U.S. and Uzbekistan

    Trump Hails “Incredible $100 Billion Deal” Between the U.S. and Uzbekistan

    The United States and Uzbekistan have signed a series of major agreements covering critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, aviation, and technology, marking what U.S. President Donald Trump called an “incredible trade and economic deal worth $100 billion.”

    The signing ceremony took place on November 6 in Washington, D.C., following a business roundtable attended by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The deals involve both government bodies and major American corporations, signaling a new phase of strategic economic cooperation between the two nations.

    Key Agreements Signed

    • Rare Earth Elements Cooperation:
      Agreement between the Uzbek Ministry of Geology and Denali Exploration Group on the exploration and production of rare earth elements.

    • Critical Minerals Projects:
      The Uzbek Reconstruction and Development Fund signed an accord with Re Element Technologies to develop rare earth and critical metals projects.

    • Pumping Station Modernization:
      Partnership between the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade and Flowserve Corporation to modernize Uzbekistan’s water infrastructure.

    • Water-Saving Technologies:
      Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Valmont Industries Inc. on implementing advanced irrigation and water-efficient technologies.

    • Artificial Intelligence Cooperation:
      Memorandum between the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Palo Alto Networks to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

    • Aviation Contract:
      Uzbekistan Airways signed a major expansion deal with Boeing, increasing its firm order for 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 14 to 22 jets.

    • Agricultural Trade:

      • Contract between Datacrop (Uzbekistan) and Louis Dreyfus Company (U.S.) for the supply of soybeans and soybean meal.

      • Agreement between Uzsanatexport and Cargill for the supply of cotton.

    Trump’s Statement

    On his Truth Social page, President Donald Trump announced the deal, calling it “one of the most significant trade achievements” between the two countries:

    “I am pleased to announce an incredible trade and economic agreement between the United States and Uzbekistan. Over the next three years, Uzbekistan will purchase and invest nearly $35 billion, and over the following decade more than $100 billion, in key U.S. industries including critical minerals, aviation, automotive components, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, chemicals, and information technology,” Trump wrote.

    He also thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his leadership and partnership:

    “I want to thank the highly respected President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between our nations.”

    Strategic Context

    The landmark agreements underline Uzbekistan’s expanding cooperation with U.S. industries as it pursues rapid modernization across its energy, mining, and technology sectors.

    For Washington, the deal strengthens access to critical raw materials such as rare earths and lithium, aligning with broader U.S. efforts to diversify supply chains away from China.

  • Uzbek President Mirziyoyev Meets U.S. Business Leaders in Washington to Deepen Economic Partnership

    Uzbek President Mirziyoyev Meets U.S. Business Leaders in Washington to Deepen Economic Partnership

    At the conclusion of his working visit to Washington, D.C., President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives of major U.S. corporations, investment funds, and financial institutions to discuss expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

    The meeting was attended by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Special Assistant to the President Ricky Gill, Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli, and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden. Senior executives from leading American companies — including Traxys, FLSmidth, McKinsey, Meta, Google, Amazon, Boeing, Air Products, Axiom Space, Cove Capital, Freeport-McMoRan, Orion CMC, Cargill Cotton, John Deere, Honeywell, Valmont Industries, and Flowserve Corporation — also took part in the discussions.

    President Mirziyoyev highlighted that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United States has quadrupled over the past eight years, with more than 300 American companies now operating in Uzbekistan. He emphasized that this growth marks only the beginning of a new stage in bilateral cooperation, and that specific projects would be further discussed during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The Uzbek leader outlined priority areas for strategic partnership, including renewable energy, critical minerals, and digital transformation. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to build a next-generation energy system with 18–20 gigawatts of renewable capacity, generating more than half of its electricity from solar and wind sources.

    In partnership with the United States, Uzbekistan plans to develop extraction and advanced processing of uranium, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, and graphite, establishing secure supply chains and adopting U.S. technologies in resource processing.

    The President also highlighted Uzbekistan’s ambitious transport infrastructure modernization program, with $12 billion in planned investments by 2030 to upgrade roads, railways, terminals, and airports.

    Digital cooperation is also expanding through joint initiatives with Google, Meta, and NVIDIA, including the launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay, the creation of a Digital Academy, and a nationwide startup hub network.

    Financial support for these initiatives will involve the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).

    Concluding the meeting, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to support American investors and maintain the country’s reputation as a reliable and stable partner.

    “Uzbekistan remains a dependable partner and a guarantor of success for foreign investors,” the President said.

  • Kazakhstan Confirms Central Asia–U.S. Summit in Washington on November 6

    Kazakhstan Confirms Central Asia–U.S. Summit in Washington on November 6

    Kazakhstan’s presidency has confirmed that a Central Asia–United States summit will take place in Washington, D.C., on November 6, bringing together the leaders of the C5+1 format — the United States and the five Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

    According to the press office of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Kazakh leader sent a letter of gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for the invitation to participate in the summit. Tokayev described the initiative as both “timely and important,” emphasizing that he shares Trump’s key domestic and foreign policy principles, including the promotion of traditional values, common sense, and global peace and security.

    The upcoming gathering will coincide with the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform, launched in 2015 to strengthen regional cooperation and deepen U.S.–Central Asia engagement in areas such as energy security, trade, counterterrorism, and sustainable development.

    Regional media have confirmed participation from other Central Asian heads of state. Uzbek outlet Gazeta.uz reported that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received an invitation, while Kyrgyz media stated that President Sadyr Japarov will also attend. Invitations have reportedly been extended to all five Central Asian leaders, according to Azattyq.

    The announcement follows recent visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan by U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, underscoring Washington’s renewed diplomatic focus on the region.

    President Trump met both Tokayev and Mirziyoyev during the U.N. General Assembly last month in New York, where several multi-billion-dollar business deals were announced. Analysts suggest the upcoming summit aims to counterbalance the influence of Russia and China in Central Asia amid heightened global competition for access to the region’s critical minerals and strategic trade routes.

    In an October 20 letter, members of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee urged President Trump to host the C5+1 summit before the end of the year. The letter highlighted U.S. strategic interests in developing regional critical mineral supply chains—notably tungsten, antimony, lithium, and rare earth elements—as well as advancing trade liberalization through the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment and bolstering counterterrorism cooperation against the regional branch of the Islamic State group.

    The Washington summit is expected to mark a major step in U.S. efforts to strengthen political and economic ties with Central Asia, promote regional resilience, and enhance collaboration in energy, defense, and raw materials security.

  • Kazakhstan’s Untapped Tungsten Reserves Draw U.S. Interest in Strategic Mining Deal

    Kazakhstan’s Untapped Tungsten Reserves Draw U.S. Interest in Strategic Mining Deal

    Kazakhstan’s sweeping steppes may soon become the focal point of a global shift in critical mineral supply chains. With an estimated 2 million tons of untapped tungsten reserves, the Central Asian nation is emerging as a potential powerhouse in a market vital to defense, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Ongoing negotiations between Washington and Astana could lead to the first large-scale, U.S.-backed tungsten mining operation in the region, underscoring Western efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.

    Kazakhstan’s Tungsten Wealth: A Strategic Resource Reawakens

    Two massive deposits — Upper Kairaktinskoye and North Katpar in the Karaganda region — anchor Kazakhstan’s tungsten potential. Industry insiders estimate the sites are worth billions of dollars and could sustain production for up to four decades. While the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not list Kazakhstan among the top tungsten holders, the country’s own geological data points to reserves exceeding 2 million tons, suggesting international underreporting of Central Asia’s mineral wealth.

    Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, has described these sites as the world’s most desirable undeveloped tungsten deposits and is actively soliciting bids from foreign investors.

    From Dormancy to Development

    Tungsten mining in Kazakhstan halted more than 30 years ago following the Soviet Union’s collapse, as infrastructure decay, capital flight, and regulatory uncertainty halted operations. That long pause has left enormous reserves untouched — a rare opportunity for new investment at a time when global tungsten demand continues to climb.

    Strategic Importance of Tungsten

    Tungsten’s exceptional hardness, density, and heat resistance make it irreplaceable in defense and high-tech industries. It is a critical component in ammunition, projectiles, armor-piercing shells, and advanced weapon systems, earning a place on the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency identifies tungsten as a material of strategic importance, with supply disruptions posing potential risks to U.S. defense manufacturing and economic stability.

    Key Players in a High-Stakes Negotiation

    The leading U.S. contender, Cove Kaz Capital Group LLC, has positioned itself at the center of the negotiations. Building on its 2025 partnership with Kazakhstan’s JSC Qazgeology on rare earth exploration, Cove Kaz Capital aims to establish majority control of the tungsten venture while ensuring Kazakhstan retains a significant profit share.

    The company’s responsibilities would include mine development, local processing infrastructure, and export logistics, with a commitment to technology transfer and workforce development within Kazakhstan.

    For Samruk-Kazyna, the deal aligns with national goals of diversifying the economy, modernizing the mining sector, and expanding export markets beyond traditional partners like Russia and China. The fund’s competitive tendering process has attracted multiple international bidders, ensuring Kazakhstan maximizes both revenue and strategic leverage.

    U.S. Government’s Direct Role

    The unusual direct involvement of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the negotiations underscores the project’s geopolitical weight. Washington views the partnership as part of a wider strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains and implement former President Trump’s executive order prioritizing access to strategic materials such as tungsten.

    For the U.S., success in Kazakhstan could represent a decisive step toward reducing vulnerability to supply shocks and strengthening control over critical materials vital to both defense and green technologies.