Europe seeks Central Asia's critical minerals as producers push for local processing

European nations are reaching out to Central Asian producers of critical minerals, with a focus on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These countries are seeking foreign investment and technology to enhance their manufacturing capabilities. The International Mining and Metals Forum in Tashkent brought together industry representatives to explore opportunities for commercial collaboration.

Brussels is aiming for more than just agreements, with a desire to foster development of clear investment partnerships with Central Asian countries.

European demand is primarily centered around materials such as lithium and tungsten, due to their economic significance and supply risks. Germany, in particular, is looking to diversify its sources of critical minerals, as the country invests heavily in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. Germany's ambassador to Uzbekistan, Matthias Vollert, emphasized the importance of critical minerals for Germany's economic future.

Germany and Kazakhstan have signed a 2026-2028 roadmap for industrial cooperation, mineral extraction, and processing. A German company, HMS Bergbau AG, is pursuing a lithium extraction and processing project in eastern Kazakhstan, with an estimated investment of $500 million. Uzbekistan is also pursuing a similar approach, aiming to develop domestic mineral processing capabilities instead of solely exporting raw materials and concentrates.

The Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK) was established in 2024 to develop the country's mineral processing industry, focusing on producing value-added products like tungsten oxide and molybdenum bars.

TMK is actively seeking investment and manufacturing expertise to expand production within Uzbekistan. In September 2026, TMK held a roadshow in Berlin, engaging with around 20 German companies and international financial institutions to discuss supplies of critical minerals, technology transfer, and participation in new manufacturing projects.

A preliminary term sheet for pre-export financing was signed between TMK and France's Société Générale in October 2026, with the potential for a final loan agreement to be announced soon.

The mining partnerships in Uzbekistan extend beyond European investors, with AzerGold, Azerbaijan's state-owned mining company, establishing a subsidiary in Uzbekistan to explore gold and rare earth minerals in the Navoi region. A trilateral joint venture with Uzbekgeologorazvedka JSC and the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company is also in the works.