The Government of Tajikistan has approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom on cooperation in the field of critical minerals, Asiaplus.tj reports. The document, signed by Prime Minister Emomali Rahmon on February 23, will be concluded between Tajikistan's Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Asiaplus.tj reports.
The Memorandum aims to establish sustainable and transparent supply chains for minerals essential to industrial development, the green energy transition, and economic security. Both parties intend to diversify supply sources, reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers, and implement high ESG standards across the mining sector.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Facilitating trade and investment, including business missions and access to UK financial markets;
- Exploring opportunities for export credit financing and project insurance;
- Promoting scientific and educational partnerships to strengthen institutional capacity;
- Establishing a Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals, scheduled to meet twice annually.
The country holds significant reserves of minerals listed as critical by major economies: lithium, rare earth elements, niobium, tantalum, copper, nickel, aluminum, as well as antimony, lead, zinc, silver, and gold. These resources position Tajikistan as a promising partner in meeting global demand from high-tech industries.
The Memorandum will enter into force following completion of domestic ratification procedures and will remain valid for five years, with automatic renewal unless either party provides 90 days' notice of termination. The date and venue for the formal signing ceremony will be agreed upon separately.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 3, 2026