Tashkent (TDI): Uzbekistan is stepping up efforts to cement its role in the fast-growing global critical minerals market by forging high-profile international partnerships.
The Uzbek Technological Metals Plant (TMK), one of the country’s flagship industrial enterprises, has officially joined two influential organizations, the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) and Canada’s Critical Minerals Institute (CMI).
This move follows last year’s memorandum of understanding between Uzbekistan and the European Union on cooperation in the field of strategic raw materials. TMK’s inclusion in ERMA is regarded as a significant step in translating that agreement into tangible action.
ERMA, a major European platform, focuses on ensuring stable supplies of essential elements such as lithium, tungsten, molybdenum, and rare earth metals, all vital for the continent’s green energy ambitions and industrial resilience.
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Massimo Gasparon, ERMA’s Director, welcomed the development, saying the alliance looked forward to close collaboration with TMK to advance mutual goals and deepen EU–Uzbekistan cooperation. Membership will open doors for TMK to European funding programs, joint research projects, and easier access to high-standard international markets.
Alongside its European engagement, TMK has also entered the Canada-based CMI, a strategic network bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and investors in the minerals sector. CMI is known for mapping future resource trends and recently identified 23 minerals considered essential for global industrial strategies.
Tracy Hughes, CEO of CMI, described the partnership as an opportunity for Uzbekistan to connect with top-tier companies in Canada and the United States.
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She stressed that North America is seeking dependable partners, and Uzbekistan fits the profile. Through this alliance, TMK will benefit from up-to-date intelligence on global mineral strategies, integration into supply chains, and participation in technology and investment platforms.
By aligning with both ERMA and CMI, Uzbekistan is not just positioning itself as a supplier of raw materials, but as an active, innovation-focused player in shaping the future of critical mineral markets. These steps are expected to strengthen its role in securing global supply chains and contribute to the long-term stability of the sector.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
