US Risks Being Locked Out of Central Asia’s Critical Mineral Race

Without a sustained and coordinated push, the United States may lose access to Central Asia’s vital supply of critical minerals. These rare earth elements and metals are essential for making batteries, electronics, and advanced weapons. Currently, China dominates the global market for these resources. Central Asia holds some of the world’s largest untapped deposits. If the U.S. fails to act quickly, it could be locked out of one of the most consequential supply chains shaping the future of global power.