Uzbekistan to Expand Raw Material Base and Boost High-Value-Added Mineral Production
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on expanding Uzbekistan’s raw material base for vital minerals and increasing the production of high-value-added products.
Uzbekistan has identified more than 30 metal deposits, including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium. Historically, the sector had not received adequate attention, with limited investment in exploring rare minerals, processing industrial waste, or manufacturing finished products.
In recent years, an organizational framework has been established to address these gaps, and initiatives to produce high-value-added materials have commenced. During the presentation, the Minister of Mining and Geology outlined opportunities for further development. Over the next three years, 76 projects covering 28 rare minerals will be implemented, with a total investment of $2.6 billion. Additionally, funding will be allocated for geological exploration and scientific research to expand the raw material base.
A key objective is to extract valuable raw materials directly from ores using modern technologies, enhance the purity of minerals, and manufacture high-value-added products. For instance, the enrichment of tungsten concentrate from the Ingichka deposit is expected to double its added value. Currently, 18 similar projects are in development. To reinforce the “raw materials – processing – science and technology – finished products” value chain, it was proposed to establish technology parks in Tashkent and Samarkand regions, both rich in molybdenum and tungsten.
President Mirziyoyev instructed the implementation of technology transfer and best practices in the field, alongside the establishment of modern laboratories and training centers. In light of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he emphasized the importance of creating a strong foundation to secure Uzbekistan’s competitive position in the global mineral market.
