The US and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark agreement on cooperation in the exploration and supply of critical minerals, marking a significant step in deepening economic ties between the two countries.

The agreement, signed on February 18, covers the entire value chain - from geological exploration and extraction to processing and infrastructure development. Both sides plan to establish a joint investment holding company to implement future projects in the mining sector and related industries, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

The partnership will focus on strategic minerals, as well as energy and infrastructure initiatives. Uzbekistan’s vast resource base makes it an increasingly attractive partner. The country holds major reserves of gold, uranium, and copper, along with substantial deposits of critical minerals such as lithium and tungsten - key components in modern technologies.

The deal comes amid intensifying global competition for access to strategic raw materials. Washington is seeking to diversify supply chains for rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for electronics, electric vehicles, and defense manufacturing. Historically, exports of such resources from the region have been more heavily oriented toward China and Russia.