Tajikistan is presently Central Asia’s poorest nation, but it is sitting atop an abundance of rare earths and minerals needed to drive the global digital economy.

Mukhtar Fazilzoda, head of Tajikistan’s state geological service, announced earlier in December the discovery of 15 new, major deposits of rare earths in the mountainous nation. “These resources can play a key role in the development [of the Tajik economy]”, Avesta news agency quoted Fazilzoda as saying. 

The new deposits are found in mountainous eastern regions that are hard to access due to “difficult natural conditions,” according to the Avesta report. Surveying such areas became possible only in recent years, following the development of new technologies.

The geologist added that additional studies are required to determine the precise size of the deposits, including lithium. Additional data will also help the country attract the foreign capital and expertise needed to mine and develop the deposits.

In late 2023, President Emomali Rahmon announced plans for government agencies to develop the nation’s mineral and non-ferrous metal wealth, including lithium, tungsten and nickel. He also voiced a desire to develop Tajikistan’s domestic capacity to turn mined raw materials into finished products. Tajikistan is already a major producer of gold and aluminium.

Whether Tajikistan can turn its vast rare earth deposits into transformational wealth capable of lifting the country out of its impoverished state remains to be seen. International watchdogs, such as Freedom House, consistently rank Tajikistan as among the most poorly governed states in the world, and a state where grand corruption is a major issue.

This article first appeared on Eurasianet here.