Experts from the Ministry of Economy predict that the annual demand for rare earth metals will increase by 10%. This growth, combined with efforts to diversify supplies and reduce dependence on China, creates excellent prospects for Kyrgyzstan.
The country has significant mineral resources and can occupy an important place in this strategic sector. There are deposits of rare earth elements in Kyrgyzstan, such as Ak-Tyuz, Kutesai, Kenkol, and Sary-Jaz.
| Deposit/Occurrence | Main Elements | Region | Notes |
| Kutesai-II | Cerium, Lanthanum | Kemin District | One of the largest in the region |
| Ak-Tuz | Yttrium, Scandium | Chui Region | Associated elements in ores |
| Sary-Jaz | Yttrium, Neodymium | Issyk-Kul Region | Requires detailed exploration |
| Kenkol | Complex REMs | Naryn Region | Potentially strategic object |
Exploration and partial development of these deposits were conducted before gaining independence, after which the work was suspended. Many deposits require re-exploration using modern technologies.
“Since rare earth metals are found in complex ores, their study and development require the application of innovative technologies that ensure multi-component processing while adhering to high environmental standards. Given the outdated equipment for enrichment and processing of ores, the introduction of new technologies is necessary, which is only possible with the attraction of foreign investments and specialists, as there is a shortage of such personnel in Kyrgyzstan,” the draft Strategy emphasizes.
Experts from the Ministry of Economy also note that considering that many large technology companies have made rare earth metals their priorities, competition in this sector will intensify. The premature deployment of processing within the country will provide a competitive advantage for local companies.
Moreover, Kyrgyzstan can become a connecting link between China, Russia, European countries, and the USA.
Thus, with the right approach to state policy and the attraction of modern technologies, Kyrgyzstan has the opportunity to:
- act as a supplier of raw materials (initially in the form of concentrates);
- organize its own processing with added value (by creating processing mini-clusters);
- occupy a strategically important place in the Central Asian market.
