The need for critical minerals to achieve the clean energy transition is giving new impetus to the development of mining sectors in Central Asia. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite are needed for the manufacturing of batteries needed to electrify vehicle fleets in particular, rare earth elements are critical in the making of wind turbines and EV motors, while copper and aluminium are pivotal for electricity networks and technologies. Central Asia is well endowed in critical minerals as established in the critical minerals lists of many OECD countries including the US, the UK, Canada, Japan and the EU. The development potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (or ‘Middle Corridor’) holds opportunities for connecting Central Asia’s mining regions with foreign markets and enable better integration of these regions into global value chains. The mining sector, however, causes a range of environmental problems, including greenhouse emissions, air and water pollution, and ecosystem destructions. To ensure that the mining sector effectively contributes to the much needed transition to more environmentally virtuous economic systems, its development should be done in accordance with the best international practices available to reduce its harmful effects on the environment. Thus, efforts to develop fit-for-purpose mining sectors in Central Asia will require to i) create the conditions for attracting investment and financing for critical minerals in particular, and ii) reduce environmental effects of mining operations. Policy-makers and industrial operators need to work hand-in-hand to enable the necessary enabling reforms.