Role of Uzbekistan in the Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Economy

Critical raw materials (CRMs) and rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging as strategic resources driving the global energy transition and digital transformation, with demand projected to rise sharply over the coming decades. This paper examines Uzbekistan’s growing role in the critical minerals economy, analyzing its mineral endowments, policy reforms, and positioning within shifting geopolitical supply chains. It reviews global strategies of major powers, assesses Uzbekistan’s assets, governance challenges, and foreign investment patterns, and identifies risks related to environmental standards and overreliance on single partners. The study argues that Uzbekistan can leverage its resource base to advance green industrialization and economic diversification if it adopts transparent governance, strengthens domestic processing capacity, and pursues a balanced, multipolar partnership strategy. Policy recommendations are offered to integrate the sector into sustainable development objectives and avoid the pitfalls of resource dependency.