South Korea is advancing its partnership with Central Asian countries by focusing on critical minerals, as evidenced by over 70 agreements and memoranda signed at the first South Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul. The collaboration seeks to secure reliable mineral supplies essential for South Korea’s automotive, electronics, battery, and energy sectors while helping Central Asian nations develop local processing capabilities beyond raw material exports.
A significant outcome of the summit is the establishment of a C5+1 forum for industry ministers, which will facilitate ongoing collaboration, with plans to hold the summit biennially. South Korea aims to leverage its expertise in exploration, processing, and advanced manufacturing alongside Central Asia’s rich mineral resources. The partnership covers the entire supply chain, including deposit identification, mining, processing, and the production of higher-value goods.
Uzbekistan has taken a proactive approach by proposing an investment alliance for critical minerals and the development of processing clusters that encompass exploration, mining, and production. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has offered to collaborate in areas such as rare metals, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, further solidifying its strategic partnership with South Korea.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are also seeking South Korean cooperation in mining minerals like antimony and tungsten. Additionally, South Korea is expanding its involvement in transport and infrastructure projects across Central Asia, enhancing its regional influence amid similar efforts by China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan.
The interest in Central Asia’s mineral resources comes as regional governments prioritize attracting investments that foster local processing and industrial production capabilities. The next South Korea–Central Asia summit is set to take place in Kazakhstan in 2028, continuing the momentum of this growing partnership.