Shavkat Mirziyoyev Proposes Accelerating the Establishment of a Critical Minerals Alliance in Central Asia
2026-10-09 08:50:00 / News
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed accelerating the establishment of a critical minerals alliance among Central Asian countries and developing a unified digital map of the region's mineral resource reserves.
The President announced the initiative at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, held in Avaza, Turkmenistan.
The proposal aims to promote the joint use of the region's mineral resource potential, attract investment, and expand cooperation in the energy sector.
According to the President, Central Asian countries possess substantial reserves of mineral resources required for modern industry, energy production, and emerging technologies. Coordinated cooperation among the countries was proposed to make more effective use of these resources.
"Our countries possess substantial reserves of raw materials essential for modern industry, energy, and new technologies. It is important that we act together in this area," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
One of the initial areas of cooperation proposed was the development of a unified digital map of critical mineral reserves across Central Asia.
Such a map could help systematize information on the countries' mineral resource potential, assess available reserves, and facilitate the development of prospective investment projects.
A unified information database is also expected to make it easier for international investors to access information about the region's mineral resources, their geographical distribution, and opportunities for industrial utilization.
During the meeting, the President also addressed energy-related issues. It was noted that Central Asian countries possess hydrocarbon resources as well as opportunities for developing hydropower, solar energy, and wind power generation.
According to the President, the energy resources and production capacities of countries in the region can complement one another. Therefore, a coordinated approach is needed to develop regional energy systems.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed developing a joint concept for the low-carbon energy potential of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.
The proposed concept is intended to coordinate cooperation in constructing new power generation facilities, developing modern energy storage systems, and establishing cross-border energy corridors.
The establishment of a critical minerals alliance and the development of a unified digital map could create additional opportunities for organizing geological information, planning mineral resource utilization, and strengthening interstate information exchange.
At the same time, such cooperation would require attention to the rational use of subsoil resources, industrial safety, environmental requirements, and the coordination of mineral resource accounting mechanisms. These areas are also directly related to the responsibilities of the Inspectorate for Control in the Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The practical outcomes of the proposed initiatives will depend on agreements reached between participating countries, the establishment of procedures for exchanging geological information, and the development of joint projects.
The accuracy of mineral resource information, compliance with legal requirements governing resource utilization, and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight are factors that influence investment transparency and economic sustainability.