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U.S. Eyes Tajikistan Antimony Assets to Diversify Critical Mineral Supply Chain
Non-Energy Minerals · Other Metals/Minerals · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-04
Following tungsten projects in Kazakhstan, the U.S. is exploring investment in Tajikistan’s antimony sector to reduce reliance on Chinese supply.
What Happened
Strategic Mineral Diplomacy: U.S. officials have engaged with Tajikistan’s leadership to discuss potential investments in the country's antimony production. This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce dependency on China for critical raw materials.
Importance of Antimony: Antimony is a vital component in batteries, semiconductors, and defense equipment, with its strategic value surging after China implemented export controls. As the world's third-largest producer, Tajikistan has become a focal point for U.S. resource security efforts.
Ongoing Regional Efforts: The U.S. is already collaborating on tungsten development in Kazakhstan, signaling a consistent effort to secure supply chains across Central Asia. Washington is expected to leverage private firms like Comsup Commodities to facilitate potential operations in Tajikistan.
Competitive Landscape: Despite U.S. interest, establishing a foothold will be challenging due to the heavy presence of Chinese firms already operating in the region. Furthermore, competition is intensifying as Japan and the European Union are also actively monitoring Tajikistan's mineral potential.