Critical metals and minerals of Kazakhstan and other central Asian countries: institutional barriers and strategic export policy

哈萨克斯坦及中亚其他国家关键金属与矿物：制度壁垒与战略性出口政策
Критически важные металлы и минералы Казахстана и других стран Центральной Азии: институциональные барьеры и стратегическая экспортная политика
Panzabekova A.Zh. Duisen G.M. Kopbossynova A.N. Zhanbozova A.B.
2025 Ural Federal University

R-Economy
2025 #11 Issue 4 406 - 429 pp.

Relevance. Central Asia holds vast reserves of critical metals and minerals such as lithium, nickel, aluminum, copper, uranium, and rare earth elements, offer-ing strong potential for integration into global value chains. However, its re-source-dependent export model and institutional barriers hinder investment and industrial processing. Kazakhstan, with the region’s largest resource base, plays a key role in shaping its critical metals and minerals strategy. Objective. The study aims to develop an evidence-based strategic framework for Kazakhstan’s export policy in critical metals and minerals, taking into ac-count other Central Asian countries. It relies on comparative analysis, institutional assessment, and scenario-based forecasting. Methods and Data. The methodology combines time-series analysis of export dynamics using data from international trade databases (UN Comtrade and ITC Trade Map), forecasting for 2025–2027, a comparative institutional analysis of the models of Australia, Chile, and Kazakhstan, as well as an evaluation of regulatory quality based on international indices and analytical sources. Results. Modeling indicates a steady rise in Central Asian exports to Europe and Asia but also highlights structural imbalances and institutional barriers that hinder a transition from a resource-based model to sustainable develop-ment. Using Kazakhstan as a case study, the study proposes a framework emphasizing deeper processing, export diversification, and integration of environ-mental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Conclusions. Central Asia holds strong potential to contribute to the global energy transition, with Kazakhstan best positioned to lead a long-term export strategy. The proposed framework combines national and regional perspectives to foster industrialization, attract investment, and strengthen the region’s role in the global economy.

Central Asia , critical metals and minerals , export policy , institutional barri-ers , investments , rare earth metals , resources , sustainable development

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Institute of Economics, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 28 Shevchenko St, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
R. B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 29 Kurmangazy St., Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan

Institute of Economics
R. B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies

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