Measures to accelerate the implementation of major investment projects in the mining industry were discussed
Uzbekistan
During his visit to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on accelerating the implementation of major investment projects in the mining industry.
As noted, the rapid development of strategic industries such as information technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, electrical engineering, chemicals, and defense relies heavily on the availability of raw materials such as copper, uranium, lithium, tungsten, and other critical metals. Growing demand for these resources in global markets, including the increasing shortage of copper concentrate and the expected resulting price increases, makes the issue of accelerating projects in the mining and metallurgical industries even more pressing.
In this regard, the need was emphasized for the full mobilization of all capabilities to achieve the targets for increasing gold production in Uzbekistan to 175 tons, silver to 500 tons, uranium to 15,000 tons, and copper to 500,000 tons by 2030.
To achieve this, it was emphasized that it is essential to implement each major project according to a clear schedule and to coordinate the resolution of issues related to financing, construction, logistics, technological equipment, and personnel.
The meeting primarily reviewed the progress of strategic projects being implemented at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant. In particular, specific instructions were given to accelerate the next stages of Copper Processing Plant No. 3.
Furthermore, the construction of a new copper smelter, which will serve as a technological extension of this project, was discussed. Instructions were given to complete the feasibility study, engage foreign experts, and commence construction work as soon as possible.
Based on the Almalyk Combine's future needs, the importance of engaging reputable international companies to develop a feasibility study for Copper Concentration Plant No. 4 was particularly emphasized. The need for this document to comprehensively address water supply, rail and energy infrastructure, environmental requirements, and high-efficiency technologies was emphasized.
The meeting noted that this year, the industry plans to attract $2.2 billion in investment across 90 projects, and set targets for the extraction of 172,500 tons of copper, 120 tons of gold, 210.5 tons of silver, and 8,000 tons of uranium.
It was also emphasized that feasibility studies for a number of promising deposits and sites must be completed quickly, and that the opportunities provided by the new decree simplifying expert review procedures must be effectively utilized. The government was instructed to resolve organizational and legal issues related to these projects as quickly as possible.
Particular attention was also paid to accelerating coal mining and processing projects in the face of growing energy demand. Targets for increasing coal supplies to households and industrial enterprises were identified.
As part of the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant's operations, instructions were issued regarding the next stage of expansion at the Muruntau mine, the development of new deposits, the implementation of technologies for extracting gold from complex ores, and the revision of investor cooperation mechanisms for a number of major projects.
In the metallurgical sector, issues related to increasing production volumes at Uzmetkombinat, the efficient use of its domestic raw materials base, expanding the range of competitive products, and establishing the production of sheet metal that meets market demand were discussed. Specific measures were identified to secure raw materials, diversify the product range, and develop new markets.
The meeting also addressed the operations of the Technological Metals Plant. Tasks were set to expand the production of critical metals and complex alloys for industry, and to accelerate projects for the production of selenium, tellurium, powder metallurgy products, and other high-value-added products.
Cost reduction and cost savings at industry enterprises were also discussed. Responsible officials have been instructed to develop targeted programs aimed at reducing production costs, cutting energy consumption, using resources efficiently, and achieving specific monthly results.
Attention is focused on expanding the domestic component in public procurement and cooperation. In this regard, responsible officials have been given specific instructions to increase the share of locally produced goods in projects and procurement to over $2 billion this year.
Plans for intensifying geological exploration, identifying additional reserves, offering new mining and investment blocks to investors, and attracting promising hydrocarbon deposits to the economy were also discussed. Specifically, the goal was set to significantly increase reserves of gold, silver, copper, uranium, and zinc this year.
The meeting noted that 38,000 new jobs will be created as part of the $22 billion projects being implemented in the industry, specifically, a need for 7,500 engineers and 14,000 mid-level specialists. In this regard, instructions were given on organizing the activities of industry-specific universities and technical schools in accordance with new requirements, adapting educational programs to modern technologies, widely introducing dual education, and ensuring a close connection between theses and production tasks.
Furthermore, tasks were set to focus university research on developing practical technological solutions for industrial plants, implementing research results in production, organizing training grounds for students, and adapting workshops at industrial enterprises for practical and research work.
A system for publishing a list of relevant research topics within the framework of new projects was instructed. Not only the five industry-specific universities, but also all public and private educational and scientific organizations in the technical field may participate in this research.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the establishment of an Industrial Council chaired by the President was announced. This Council will systematically oversee the implementation of major projects in key sectors such as mining, metallurgy, chemicals, and the oil and gas sector. This council will approve monthly work plans for transforming large enterprises based on international standards, reducing costs and energy consumption, deep processing of raw materials, increasing the share of locally produced goods, digitalizing all processes, implementing AI, and increasing investment and exports.
Responsible officials have been instructed to conduct monthly, critical analysis, and on-site discussions on the progress of these plans at individual enterprises, promptly address existing issues, and submit reports on the results at the end of each quarter.
In this regard, the need was emphasized for the full mobilization of all capabilities to achieve the targets for increasing gold production in Uzbekistan to 175 tons, silver to 500 tons, uranium to 15,000 tons, and copper to 500,000 tons by 2030.
To achieve this, it was emphasized that it is essential to implement each major project according to a clear schedule and to coordinate the resolution of issues related to financing, construction, logistics, technological equipment, and personnel.
The meeting primarily reviewed the progress of strategic projects being implemented at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant. In particular, specific instructions were given to accelerate the next stages of Copper Processing Plant No. 3.
Furthermore, the construction of a new copper smelter, which will serve as a technological extension of this project, was discussed. Instructions were given to complete the feasibility study, engage foreign experts, and commence construction work as soon as possible.
Based on the Almalyk Combine's future needs, the importance of engaging reputable international companies to develop a feasibility study for Copper Concentration Plant No. 4 was particularly emphasized. The need for this document to comprehensively address water supply, rail and energy infrastructure, environmental requirements, and high-efficiency technologies was emphasized.
The meeting noted that this year, the industry plans to attract $2.2 billion in investment across 90 projects, and set targets for the extraction of 172,500 tons of copper, 120 tons of gold, 210.5 tons of silver, and 8,000 tons of uranium.
It was also emphasized that feasibility studies for a number of promising deposits and sites must be completed quickly, and that the opportunities provided by the new decree simplifying expert review procedures must be effectively utilized. The government was instructed to resolve organizational and legal issues related to these projects as quickly as possible.
Particular attention was also paid to accelerating coal mining and processing projects in the face of growing energy demand. Targets for increasing coal supplies to households and industrial enterprises were identified.
As part of the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant's operations, instructions were issued regarding the next stage of expansion at the Muruntau mine, the development of new deposits, the implementation of technologies for extracting gold from complex ores, and the revision of investor cooperation mechanisms for a number of major projects.
In the metallurgical sector, issues related to increasing production volumes at Uzmetkombinat, the efficient use of its domestic raw materials base, expanding the range of competitive products, and establishing the production of sheet metal that meets market demand were discussed. Specific measures were identified to secure raw materials, diversify the product range, and develop new markets.
The meeting also addressed the operations of the Technological Metals Plant. Tasks were set to expand the production of critical metals and complex alloys for industry, and to accelerate projects for the production of selenium, tellurium, powder metallurgy products, and other high-value-added products.
Cost reduction and cost savings at industry enterprises were also discussed. Responsible officials have been instructed to develop targeted programs aimed at reducing production costs, cutting energy consumption, using resources efficiently, and achieving specific monthly results.
Attention is focused on expanding the domestic component in public procurement and cooperation. In this regard, responsible officials have been given specific instructions to increase the share of locally produced goods in projects and procurement to over $2 billion this year.
Plans for intensifying geological exploration, identifying additional reserves, offering new mining and investment blocks to investors, and attracting promising hydrocarbon deposits to the economy were also discussed. Specifically, the goal was set to significantly increase reserves of gold, silver, copper, uranium, and zinc this year.
The meeting noted that 38,000 new jobs will be created as part of the $22 billion projects being implemented in the industry, specifically, a need for 7,500 engineers and 14,000 mid-level specialists. In this regard, instructions were given on organizing the activities of industry-specific universities and technical schools in accordance with new requirements, adapting educational programs to modern technologies, widely introducing dual education, and ensuring a close connection between theses and production tasks.
Furthermore, tasks were set to focus university research on developing practical technological solutions for industrial plants, implementing research results in production, organizing training grounds for students, and adapting workshops at industrial enterprises for practical and research work.
A system for publishing a list of relevant research topics within the framework of new projects was instructed. Not only the five industry-specific universities, but also all public and private educational and scientific organizations in the technical field may participate in this research.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the establishment of an Industrial Council chaired by the President was announced. This Council will systematically oversee the implementation of major projects in key sectors such as mining, metallurgy, chemicals, and the oil and gas sector. This council will approve monthly work plans for transforming large enterprises based on international standards, reducing costs and energy consumption, deep processing of raw materials, increasing the share of locally produced goods, digitalizing all processes, implementing AI, and increasing investment and exports.
Responsible officials have been instructed to conduct monthly, critical analysis, and on-site discussions on the progress of these plans at individual enterprises, promptly address existing issues, and submit reports on the results at the end of each quarter.
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