Occurrences of rare earth metals - niobium and tantalum - have been discovered in Tajikistan’s Rasht Valley, according to Ilkhom Oymukhammadzoda, head of the national Geology Directorate, as reported by Asiaplus.tj.
Preliminary exploration in the central and southeastern regions of the country has revealed significant reserves of these strategic minerals. In the Rasht Valley, geologists analyzed 125 samples from the Nazaraylok and Yosuman sites, confirming the presence of both niobium and tantalum.
Earlier, the Geology Directorate had reported the identification of 15 zones showing signs of rare elements such as lithium, tantalum, niobium, and other critical metals. These sites are mainly located in remote eastern regions - Karasu, Agbasoy, Payron, and Rokhshif. Exploration work continues in these areas, with expectations of increasing proven reserves.
Additional promising prospects are emerging in other parts of the country. At the Novy Sarimardi deposit, a gold-bearing ore body with an average grade of 0.96 g/t has been discovered, indicating strong development potential. Meanwhile, geophysical anomalies have been recorded at the Lyaylyakul and Sangibek deposits, confirming their suitability for further study and possible exploitation.
Central Tajikistan and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) remain key zones for rare earth exploration. In Central Tajikistan - particularly in the Zeravshan and Karateghin ranges - geologists are investigating pegmatite fields such as Karasu, Akbasay, and Payron, where tantalum, niobium, lithium, and tin have been identified.
The southeastern region, covering the Rushan, Shugnan, Ishkashim, and Wakhan ranges, is home to deposits like Kolkhozabad, Taglikhas, and Vezdara. These areas contain reserves of tantalum, niobium, lithium, rubidium, and other elements essential for advanced technologies.
All exploration is being carried out under the framework of the national program for rare metal resource assessment, covering the years 2016 to 2026 and funded through the state budget. According to official estimates, the Nazaraylok site alone could contain hundreds of thousands of tons of niobium and tantalum.
The discovery of these metals significantly boosts Tajikistan’s mining potential, enhancing its strategic importance and offering new opportunities for investment and industrial development.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
24 июля 2025 года