Key Minerals in Central Asia: Tajikistan Plans to Launch Lithium Project at Namadgut Deposit
According to Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, the country plans to launch a lithium mining project at the Namadgut deposit in the Ishkashim District of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region within the next year.
About 80% of the equipment required for the project has already arrived in Tajikistan, and geological exploration work at the deposit is largely completed. However, the government has not yet disclosed the scale or grade of lithium reserves, nor has it revealed expected production output or costs for the project.
Kabir stated that the Namadgut deposit also contains niobium, tantalum, and beryllium in addition to lithium.
Niobium is primarily used to strengthen steel and manufacture heat-resistant alloys for aircraft engines and other high-temperature equipment. Tantalum is used in small electronic capacitors—such as those found in mobile phones and computers—as well as in aircraft engine alloys. Beryllium is used to produce lightweight, high-strength components for aerospace, electronics, and nuclear industries.
Although global lithium prices have rebounded slightly from their 2025 lows in early 2026, they remain approximately 70% below the peak levels seen in 2022. Kabir acknowledged the decline in lithium prices but believes the presence of other more stable precious metals could improve the project’s commercial prospects.
The minister also believes developing Tajikistan’s lithium industry will help attract large international companies involved in electric vehicle and battery production.
"Electric vehicles require aluminum for bodywork, copper for wiring, and lithium batteries are a critical component. We possess these resources," Kabir said.
According to the minister, developing lithium production offers Tajikistan an opportunity to establish high-value-added industries rather than remaining limited to raw material exports.
The Namadgut project is part of Tajikistan’s broader strategy to develop its key mineral sector. According to Mokhtar Fuzilzoda, head of the geology department at Tajikistan’s Geological Administration, officials reported discovering 15 new rare metal deposits in 2024, including lithium deposits.
These deposits are located in remote eastern regions, including Karasu, Agbassoy, Payron, and Rohshif. Despite rugged terrain and harsh natural conditions, officials say advancements in exploration technology have made surveys of these areas more effective.
Fuzilzoda stated that these discoveries are expected to promote the development of mining, create employment opportunities, and provide raw materials for battery manufacturing and other high-tech industries.
Kabir previously stated that Tajikistan aims to become the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to establish domestic lithium production.
As noted by the minister, Tajikistan holds reserves of 10 out of the 12 metals essential for global green transition, with six already being produced domestically.
Key minerals are crucial for renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power systems, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
Kabir added that during the Soviet era, only three enterprises produced what he referred to as rare earth metals, two of which were located in Tajikistan. Public records more clearly illustrate Tajikistan’s role in uranium mining and broader rare earth metal processing during the Soviet period, particularly through the Leninabad Mining and Chemical Combine (now known as the Orient United Enterprise). Currently, the Tajik government is negotiating with international companies regarding the modernization of these Soviet-era processing facilities.
Source: Central Asia Times
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870618441517063/
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