Amidst a global race for critical mineral resources, South Korea is forging strengthened ties with Central Asian nations to secure its supply chain. Following the inaugural South Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul, over 70 agreements and memorandums were established to bolster cooperation in this sector. This collaboration comes as South Korea seeks dependable sources for its thriving automotive, electronics, battery, and energy industries, while Central Asian countries aim to advance beyond merely exporting raw materials.
Central to these developments is the creation of a C5+1 forum involving industry ministers, aimed at facilitating biennial summits. The focus is on combining Central Asia’s rich mineral reserves with South Korea’s expertise in exploration and advanced manufacturing. This partnership is poised to span the entire supply chain, from identifying deposits and mining to processing and producing high-value goods, with plans for rare metals research and training centers in the region.
Specifically, Uzbekistan has proposed an investment alliance targeting critical minerals and the establishment of processing clusters that encompass exploration, mining, and production. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is opening avenues for cooperation in rare metals, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, further solidifying its strategic partnership with South Korea.
Other Central Asian nations, such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are also eager to collaborate with South Korea, particularly in minerals like antimony and tungsten. Beyond minerals, South Korea is expanding its footprint in the region through transport and infrastructure projects.
This increased South Korean involvement occurs as global powers like China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan also vie for access to Central Asia’s critical mineral resources. The region’s governments are increasingly prioritizing investments that facilitate the creation of local processing facilities and industrial production capabilities. The next South Korea–Central Asia summit is scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan in 2028, underscoring the ongoing commitment to this strategic partnership.