Central Asia’s Expanding Role in U.S. Critical Minerals Security

Timeline 2010 - Present

Central Asia has long been integral to U.S. energy security through uranium exports, and that foundation is now expanding into a broader critical minerals partnership agenda. The region holds globally significant deposits that are central to U.S. supply chain diversification. Although capacities vary across states in terms of reserves, mining development, and export infrastructure, their individual and in some cases complementary strengths make Central Asia increasingly strategic to Washington.

The policy environment is shifting. In 2026, Washington launched Project Vault, a U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve backed by a $10 billion Export-Import Bank loan and approximately $2 billion in private capital to stockpile key materials and reduce supply risk. EXIM has indicated that roughly $100 billion in financing capacity remains available to support U.S. and allied supply chains, including mining, processing, and related infrastructure. For Central Asia and U.S. exporters, this creates a pathway to finance projects that expand mineral production, build processing capacity, and deepen commercial ties in strategic sectors.

Timeline 2010 - Present

September 07
Rare Earth Export Restrictions
2010

China’s restrictions on rare earth exports expose U.S. dependence on foreign mineral supply chains. The episode triggers bipartisan concern in Washington over strategic vulnerabilities in defense, energy, and technology sectors, laying early groundwork for future critical minerals policy reform.

2017
U.S. Critical Minerals Strategy Formalized and Expanded
2013

Beginning with Executive Order 13817 (2017), the United States elevated critical minerals supply chain security as a national priority. Subsequent legislation- including the Energy Act of 2020, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), and the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) - aligned federal incentives, defense procurement authorities, and clean energy policy with domestic production and sourcing from trusted partners. Central Asia increasingly appeared in supply chain diversification discussions.

2021
Kazakhstan Supplies Peak at ~35% of U.S. Uranium Purchases
2021

Kazakhstan accounted for approximately 35% of uranium purchased by U.S. commercial nuclear power reactors in 2021, the highest share in recent EIA data, and continued to remain one of the largest foreign suppliers in subsequent years amid heightened nuclear fuel security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

September 19
U.S. – Kazakhstan Critical Minerals Cooperation
2023

Following a bilateral meeting between Presidents Biden and Tokayev on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the United States and Kazakhstan elevated critical minerals cooperation—including geological mapping, investment, and processing—as a priority within their Strategic Partnership Dialogue, reflecting Washington’s growing interest in Kazakhstan as a supplier beyond uranium.

February 08 - 09
Critical Minerals Featured in C5+1 Engagement
2024

During consultations under the C5+1 framework—a diplomatic platform linking the United States with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—the parties advanced discussions on critical minerals and supply chain resilience, further integrating resource cooperation into regional economic and security coordination.

March 20
Executive Order on Domestic Production
2025

President Trump orders accelerated domestic critical mineral production, prioritizing permitting reform, expanded mining, and streamlined federal approvals. The directive emphasizes national security while encouraging supply partnerships with allied countries.

April 15
Executive Order Directing Section 232 Investigation
2025

President Trump issues an executive order directing the Department of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation into imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products on national security grounds. The Department of Commerce formally initiates the investigation on April 22, 2025.

August 13
DOE Announces $1B Critical Minerals Funding
2025

The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to issue nearly $1 billion in funding opportunities to expand domestic mining, processing, recycling, and manufacturing capacity for critical minerals and related materials, supporting U.S. supply chain resilience. While focused domestically, the funding aligns with parallel efforts to secure upstream supply from allied producers such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

November 06
Kazakhstan Tungsten Development
2025

Cove Capital advances a tungsten project in Kazakhstan consistent with U.S. diversification objectives for defense-critical materials. The development reflects growing Western private-sector engagement in Central Asia’s mineral extraction and processing sector.

November
EXIM Financing Capacity Announced
2025

EXIM Chair John Jovanovic states the Export-Import Bank will invest up to $100 billion to secure supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied natural gas, highlighting financing capacity for strategic allied development.

January 14
Section 232 Proclamation on Processed Critical Minerals
2026

The President issues a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products on national security grounds. While global in scope, the action reinforces U.S. efforts to secure supply from non-adversarial producers, including emerging Central Asian suppliers.

February 02
Project Vault Critical Minerals Reserve Launched
2026

The administration announces Project Vault, a $12 billion U.S. strategic critical minerals stockpile backed by major EXIM financing and private investment to strengthen supply chain resilience.

February 04
International Critical Minerals Ministerial Convened in Washington
2026

The United States convenes ministers and senior officials from 54 countries and the European Commission in Washington to coordinate diversification of critical mineral supply chains, emphasizing regulatory alignment, investment coordination, and collective supply chain resilience.

Ongoing
New Mineral Discoveries in Central Asia
2026

Recent geological surveys and exploration projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan identify commercially viable deposits of rare earth elements, lithium, tungsten, and other strategic minerals, reinforcing the region’s growing relevance in global supply diversification.

April 14
Kazakhstan Makes Its Case to U.S. Investors
2026

Kazakhstan used a Washington investor event to frame deeper U.S. commercial cooperation around energy, critical minerals, and transport infrastructure.
Read more here.

May 01
U.S.-Kazakhstan Tungsten Venture Advances
2026

A U.S.-Kazakhstan venture advanced plans for a Nasdaq-linked critical minerals company focused on tungsten, rare earths, and the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty projects.
Read more here.

June 10
Critical Minerals Dialogue in Kazakhstan
2026

The United States opened a new C5+1 round on critical minerals with all five Central Asian governments, covering exploration, mapping, mining, processing, and supply chains.
Read more here.

June 11-12
Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress and Exhibition 2026
2026

AMM 2026 shifted the minerals agenda from diplomacy toward project execution, with Kazakhstan pitching processing, technology transfer, and higher-value manufacturing.
Read more here.

June 15
Uzbekistan’s Launches $4.2 Billion Critical Minerals Plan
2026

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed Uzbekistan's 2026-2030 critical minerals program, which covers 120 projects and aims to move more raw materials into domestic industry.
Read more here.

June 16
Washington and Tashkent Deepen Economic Ties at TIIF
2026

Uzbekistan and the United States launched a joint investment platform at TIIF, with critical minerals, infrastructure, energy, transport, logistics, and advanced manufacturing among the priority sectors.
Read more here.

September 07
Rare Earth Export Restrictions
2010
China’s restrictions on rare earth exports expose U.S. dependence on foreign mineral supply chains. The episode triggers bipartisan concern in Washington over strategic vulnerabilities in defense, energy, and technology sectors, laying early groundwork for future critical minerals policy reform.
2017
U.S. Critical Minerals Strategy Formalized and Expanded
2013
Beginning with Executive Order 13817 (2017), the United States elevated critical minerals supply chain security as a national priority. Subsequent legislation- including the Energy Act of 2020, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), and the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) - aligned federal incentives, defense procurement authorities, and clean energy policy with domestic production and sourcing from trusted partners. Central Asia increasingly appeared in supply chain diversification discussions.
2021
Kazakhstan Supplies Peak at ~35% of U.S. Uranium Purchases
2021
Kazakhstan accounted for approximately 35% of uranium purchased by U.S. commercial nuclear power reactors in 2021, the highest share in recent EIA data, and continued to remain one of the largest foreign suppliers in subsequent years amid heightened nuclear fuel security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
September 19
U.S. – Kazakhstan Critical Minerals Cooperation
2023
Following a bilateral meeting between Presidents Biden and Tokayev on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the United States and Kazakhstan elevated critical minerals cooperation—including geological mapping, investment, and processing—as a priority within their Strategic Partnership Dialogue, reflecting Washington’s growing interest in Kazakhstan as a supplier beyond uranium.
February 08 - 09
Critical Minerals Featured in C5+1 Engagement
2024
During consultations under the C5+1 framework—a diplomatic platform linking the United States with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—the parties advanced discussions on critical minerals and supply chain resilience, further integrating resource cooperation into regional economic and security coordination.
March 20
Executive Order on Domestic Production
2025
President Trump orders accelerated domestic critical mineral production, prioritizing permitting reform, expanded mining, and streamlined federal approvals. The directive emphasizes national security while encouraging supply partnerships with allied countries.
April 15
Executive Order Directing Section 232 Investigation
2025
President Trump issues an executive order directing the Department of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation into imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products on national security grounds. The Department of Commerce formally initiates the investigation on April 22, 2025.
August 13
DOE Announces $1B Critical Minerals Funding
2025
The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to issue nearly $1 billion in funding opportunities to expand domestic mining, processing, recycling, and manufacturing capacity for critical minerals and related materials, supporting U.S. supply chain resilience. While focused domestically, the funding aligns with parallel efforts to secure upstream supply from allied producers such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
November 06
Kazakhstan Tungsten Development
2025
Cove Capital advances a tungsten project in Kazakhstan consistent with U.S. diversification objectives for defense-critical materials. The development reflects growing Western private-sector engagement in Central Asia’s mineral extraction and processing sector.
November
EXIM Financing Capacity Announced
2025
EXIM Chair John Jovanovic states the Export-Import Bank will invest up to $100 billion to secure supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied natural gas, highlighting financing capacity for strategic allied development.
January 14
Section 232 Proclamation on Processed Critical Minerals
2026
The President issues a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products on national security grounds. While global in scope, the action reinforces U.S. efforts to secure supply from non-adversarial producers, including emerging Central Asian suppliers.
February 02
Project Vault Critical Minerals Reserve Launched
2026
The administration announces Project Vault, a $12 billion U.S. strategic critical minerals stockpile backed by major EXIM financing and private investment to strengthen supply chain resilience.
February 04
International Critical Minerals Ministerial Convened in Washington
2026
The United States convenes ministers and senior officials from 54 countries and the European Commission in Washington to coordinate diversification of critical mineral supply chains, emphasizing regulatory alignment, investment coordination, and collective supply chain resilience.
Ongoing
New Mineral Discoveries in Central Asia
2026
Recent geological surveys and exploration projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan identify commercially viable deposits of rare earth elements, lithium, tungsten, and other strategic minerals, reinforcing the region’s growing relevance in global supply diversification.
April 14
Kazakhstan Makes Its Case to U.S. Investors
2026
Kazakhstan used a Washington investor event to frame deeper U.S. commercial cooperation around energy, critical minerals, and transport infrastructure.
Read more here.
May 01
U.S.-Kazakhstan Tungsten Venture Advances
2026
A U.S.-Kazakhstan venture advanced plans for a Nasdaq-linked critical minerals company focused on tungsten, rare earths, and the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty projects.
Read more here.
June 10
Critical Minerals Dialogue in Kazakhstan
2026
The United States opened a new C5+1 round on critical minerals with all five Central Asian governments, covering exploration, mapping, mining, processing, and supply chains.
Read more here.
June 11-12
Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress and Exhibition 2026
2026
AMM 2026 shifted the minerals agenda from diplomacy toward project execution, with Kazakhstan pitching processing, technology transfer, and higher-value manufacturing.
Read more here.
June 15
Uzbekistan’s Launches $4.2 Billion Critical Minerals Plan
2026
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed Uzbekistan's 2026-2030 critical minerals program, which covers 120 projects and aims to move more raw materials into domestic industry.
Read more here.
June 16
Washington and Tashkent Deepen Economic Ties at TIIF
2026
Uzbekistan and the United States launched a joint investment platform at TIIF, with critical minerals, infrastructure, energy, transport, logistics, and advanced manufacturing among the priority sectors.
Read more here.

Central Asia’s Expanding Role in U.S. Critical Minerals Security

Timeline 2010 - Present

Resources, Capacity, Connectivity: Kazakhstan and the Critical Minerals Nexus

S&P Global Energy Executive Says Kazakhstan Can Move Toward Mining’s Top Tier

Washington and Tashkent Deepen Economic Ties at TIIF

Data, Minerals, and the New Tashkent: Uzbekistan Pitches Its Next Growth Phase at Investment Forum

Uzbekistan’s $4.2 Billion Critical Minerals Plan Aims to Turn Raw Materials Into Industry

U.S. Investors Show Growing Interest in Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector

Ambassador Kazykhan Calls for U.S.–Kazakhstan Critical Minerals Projects at AMM Congress

U.S. Moves from Dialogue to Action on Critical Minerals in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Stakes Claim as Critical Minerals Processing Hub at AMM 2026

Kazakhstan Seeks More Than Extraction as U.S. Minerals Interest Grows

U.S. Convenes Critical Minerals Dialogue with Central Asian Officials in Kazakhstan

From Culture to Critical Minerals: C5+1 Opens Busy U.S. Week in Central Asia

Central Asia Seeks More Local Value From Critical Minerals

Central Asia Enters the Minerals Race

Astana Mining Congress to Highlight Kazakhstan’s Role in Critical Minerals

U.S.-Kazakhstan Tungsten Venture Advances as Critical Minerals Cooperation Deepens

No Longer a Startup Market: Kazakhstan Makes Its Case to U.S. Investors

Tokayev’s U.S. Visit Advances Kazakhstan’s Economic Agenda

Rubio Hosts Critical Minerals Meeting; Central Asia Is Key to U.S. Vision

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev in Washington: Critical Minerals Cooperation

Breaking into Project Vault: A U.S. Role for Central Asia’s Strategic Minerals

What the U.S. Really Wants in Central Asia: Behind the B5+1 Forums

B5+1 in Bishkek: Business at the Center of Regional Integration Strategy

B5+1 Forum Opens as U.S. Companies Expand Economic Footprint in Central Asia

Bishkek to Host Second B5+1 Forum of Central Asia and the U.S.

Washington Shifts C5+1 From Diplomacy to Deals

Astana and Tashkent Engage Washington’s Central Asia Vector

Central Asia, Vanadium, and the U.S. National Security Strategy

C5+1 at 10: Washington Seeks Concrete Outcomes With Central Asia

U.S. and Uzbekistan Sign Landmark Economic and Strategic Agreements

Deals, Not Declarations: U.S.–Central Asia Cooperation at Summit Crossroads

Sen. Daines: Central Asia Key to U.S. Strategic and Economic Future

The Deal Zone: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick Unveils Economic Agreements with Central Asia at C5+1 Summit

Rare Earth Diplomacy: Critical Minerals Set to Top Agenda at C5+1 Summit

U.S. Backs Private Bid for Kazakhstan’s Tungsten

U.S. Envoys Hail Stronger Kazakhstan Partnership Ahead of C5+1 Summit

Tokayev Meets with U.S. Envoys Ahead of C5+1 Summit

After Securing Ukraine Agreement, U.S. Eyes Central Asia for Rare Earths

Kazakhstan Faces Big U.S. Tariffs, but Minerals Could be Exempted

U.S. to Assist Kazakhstan in Rare Metals Exploration

U.S. and Central Asian Countries Launch C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialog

U.S. Interested in Kazakhstan’s Critical Minerals