Kazakhstan and US Discuss $950 Million in Joint Projects and Critical Minerals

Kazakhstan's Minister of Industry and Construction, Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, held talks with the US Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Julie Stafft. The meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in industrial, geological, mining, and investment sectors.

The parties discussed the implementation of joint projects and plans to expand partnership in industry and the extraction of rare earth metals. Minister Nagaspayev emphasized the importance of strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties.

"Industrial cooperation is one of the key areas of collaboration between our countries," Nagaspayev stated. "Currently, 12 joint projects with a total investment volume of about $950 million are being implemented. We are interested in further expanding this industrial partnership."

The Kazakh minister invited the American side to participate in major upcoming industry events. These include the International Geological Forum 'Geoscience & Exploration Central Asia' on April 2-3, 2026, and the 16th 'Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress' exhibition on June 11-12. A Critical Minerals Dialogue is planned on the sidelines of the latter event.

Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to maintain active contacts across all mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

The discussions build upon agreements reached during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to the United States. During that visit, Minister Nagaspayev and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Latnik signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in critical raw materials.