A panel session titled “Critical Raw Materials and Global Economic Security” was held as part of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, organized on September 25–26 under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, APA-Economics reports.
The panel session was attended by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov, Chairman of the Board of AzerGold CJSC Zakir Ibrahimov, Asian Development Bank Country Director for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, as well as senior representatives of Technip Energies, Limak Holding, Green Spark and Kazakhstan Insulator Plant.
The session discussed the growing strategic importance of critical raw materials for the global energy transition, high-tech industries and economic security, the establishment of sustainable supply and processing chains, international partnerships and investment opportunities.
Addressing the panel, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov said Azerbaijan’s approach is based on long-term cooperation, efficient use of resources and mutual benefit. He noted that the development of circular economy-based business models, expansion of public-private partnerships and efficient utilization of mineral resources are among the key objectives under the “Azerbaijan 2030” National Priorities.
The minister also emphasized the importance of the Lesser Caucasus, Nakhchivan and Balakan-Zagatala regions in terms of critical mineral potential, as well as the need to take environmental requirements into account in projects.
Chairman of the Board of AzerGold CJSC Zakir Ibrahimov said critical minerals have become an important element not only of the mining industry but also of global economic security. According to him, the energy transition and the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasing demand for metals, while geopolitical developments are making the resilience of supply chains increasingly important.
Zakir Ibrahimov noted that, in this regard, the key issue is not only the availability of resources, but also where they can be processed and how they can be delivered safely and reliably to global markets. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has significant opportunities in this area thanks to its rich mineral resources, energy and industrial infrastructure, as well as its location along the Middle Corridor connecting Central Asia with Europe and global markets.
Citing the Filizchay polymetallic deposit as an example, the chairman of the Board noted that the deposit has rich zinc, lead and copper resources and that such projects could strengthen Azerbaijan’s role in regional supply chains.
Zakir Ibrahimov also touched upon ongoing work on the development of the Alat Critical Minerals Center, saying the initiative could combine Azerbaijan’s mineral resources and processing capabilities with Central Asian resources and expand access to European and other global markets.
Highlighting the importance of international partnerships, Zakir Ibrahimov cited cooperation between AzerGold CJSC and the UAE’s International Resources Holding in Nakhchivan as an example. He said that work is being carried out within the framework of the cooperation to study mineral resource potential, including critical metals, and identify promising mineral deposits.
The panel session continued in a question-and-answer format. The discussions included an exchange of views on the importance of critical raw materials for economic security, the establishment of sustainable supply chains, responsible development of mineral resources, expansion of processing capabilities and international cooperation.
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