U.S. Commerce official Fogel visits Astana for critical minerals talks
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David L. Fogel, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, arrived in Astana on June 10 for talks on critical minerals cooperation. The visit marks a shift from dialogue to concrete action under the bilateral Strategic Partnership Dialogue.
The Visit
Fogel, who also heads the U.S. Commercial Service, met with Kazakh officials including Deputy Foreign Minister Nazira Nurbayeva and Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Olzhas Saparbekov. The discussions focused on expanding U.S. investment in Kazakhstan's critical minerals sector, particularly rare earth elements. The U.S. aims to reduce reliance on China for these resources.
Strategic Context
Kazakhstan holds significant reserves of 18 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. government. The country is the world's largest producer of uranium and a major source of titanium, beryllium, and tantalum. The Strategic Partnership Dialogue, launched in 2024, has identified critical minerals as a priority area.
Previous Engagement
In April 2025, U.S. and Kazakh officials held a virtual roundtable on critical minerals investment. That event included representatives from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank. Fogel's visit is the first high-level in-person follow-up.
What's Next
The two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals cooperation in the coming months. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will commit specific funding for exploration or processing projects.
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U.S. Commerce official Fogel visits Astana for critical minerals talks
