Uzbekistan and the U.S. formalize a Memorandum on Critical Minerals

Uzbekistan and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals, the Ministry of Geology reported.

On September 16, the memorandum was signed by Deputy Minister Omonulla Nasritdinkhodjaev and the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick. The memorandum aims to enhance cooperation between the countries in the field of mineral resources.

The document is expected to serve as a step toward advancing dialogue “in the areas of geological exploration, mineral extraction, and the creation of a value-added product chain,” according to the ministry.

As part of the meeting, a discussion was also held with representatives of an Uzbek delegation traveling to the U.S. They will participate in the mining industry exhibition MINExpo International in Las Vegas, scheduled for September 24-26.

The extraction of “critical minerals” was one of the topics at the summit of Central Asian and U.S. leaders (C5+1) held in September 2023. It was noted that the American side aims to ensure energy security for the coming years.

In April, Uzbekistan signed a memorandum with the European Union on diversifying the supply of critical raw materials for a sustainable transition to "green" technologies. This topic was also discussed in negotiations with the German Chancellor on September 15, resulting in the signing of a declaration.

Critical minerals were also identified as a "key" area for cooperation with South Korea. Plans are in place to establish deep processing of the resource base with the creation of a complete value-added chain.