South Korea has intensified its focus on critical mineral cooperation with Central Asian nations, as evidenced by the recent inaugural South Korea–Central Asia summit held in Seoul. The summit resulted in over 70 agreements and memorandums, marking a significant step toward establishing a reliable supply chain for South Korea’s automotive, electronics, battery, and energy sectors.
The summit participants decided to convene every two years and formed a C5+1 forum for industry ministers to bolster collaboration. One of the key outcomes was a commitment to integrate Central Asia’s mineral resources with South Korean expertise in exploration and advanced manufacturing. This partnership aims to encompass the entire supply chain, from mining and processing to producing high-value goods. The initiative also includes the establishment of rare metals research and training centers in the region.
Uzbekistan proposed the creation of an investment alliance dedicated to critical minerals, including the development of processing clusters which would cover exploration, mining, and production. Kazakhstan expressed its interest in cooperating on rare metals, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, aiming to strengthen its strategic partnership with South Korea.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are seeking South Korean collaboration on minerals such as antimony and tungsten. South Korea is also broadening its involvement in transportation and infrastructure projects across Central Asia, reflecting a growing presence in the region amid similar interests from China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan.
Central Asian governments are increasingly focused on attracting investment to build local processing facilities and industrial production capabilities, moving beyond the mere export of raw materials. The next South Korea–Central Asia summit is scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan in 2028, further solidifying the ongoing commitment to these partnerships.