politics
Why Rare Earth Metals in Central Asia Are Sparking Tension
May 20, 2026
Central Asia’s underground holds some of the world’s most valuable metals. Five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—sit on vast deposits of rare earths, the minerals needed for phones, wind turbines, and fighter jets. For years, China has been the main supplier
