The Tajik government has approved a draft memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom on cooperation in the field of critical minerals.
The agreement is expected to be concluded between Tajikistan’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and the UK government.
The draft memorandum emphasizes the strategic importance of critical minerals for the global economy. These resources are essential for industrial development, advanced technologies, and the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
The document notes that sustainable and transparent supply chains for such minerals are crucial for economic security. The market for these resources remains vulnerable due to the high concentration of production in a limited number of countries and the risk of supply disruptions.
Cooperation between Tajikistan and the UK aims to diversify supply sources and promote the development of more sustainable international supply chains for the extraction and processing of raw materials.
The parties also intend to implement high sustainable development standards throughout project lifecycles, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
The memorandum also includes the possibility of export credit and project insurance, subject to certain conditions.
In addition to business cooperation, the agreement provides for the development of scientific and educational initiatives.
In particular, the following measures are planned:
- the creation of academic partnerships;
- the exchange of experience between research institutes;
- strengthening the institutional capacity of the mining sector.
A joint working group on critical minerals will be established to coordinate cooperation, with meetings planned twice a year. The memorandum will be valid for five years, with the possibility of automatic renewal.
Tajikistan has significant reserves of several strategic resources.
According to geologists, there are indications of lithium deposits in the country, a key metal used in the production of electric vehicle batteries and electronics. Rare earth elements have also been identified, including potential deposits of cerium and praseodymium, which are used in electronics and renewable energy technologies.
In addition, the country has reserves of niobium and tantalum.
