The resource base of critical minerals will be expanded, and the production of high-value-added products will be established
Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the development of the resource base of critical industrial minerals and the production of high-value-added products.
Globally, there is a significant increase in demand for technological metals and critical minerals. Such raw materials and products are indispensable in the electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aviation, energy, medicine, and other high-tech sectors, and play an increasingly important role in ensuring economic security and industrial competitiveness.
Our country has enormous potential in this area. However, the activities of the Uzbek Technological Metals Plant are currently limited primarily to the production of tungsten and molybdenum. However, there is potential to organize the industrial production of 28 types of essential minerals through the development of new deposits, the construction of enrichment plants, and hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical plants.
The presentation discussed plans for fully tapping this potential for 2026-2030. Specifically, 120 projects worth a total of $4.2 billion are planned. It was noted that this will increase the industry's value to $1 billion by 2028 and $2 billion by 2030.
This year alone, 12 projects worth a total of $166 million are planned for launch. These projects will establish the production of three new types of metals—high-purity selenium, tellurium, and rhenium—as well as 21 types of import-substituting products, including powder metallurgy-based automotive components, and sulfuric acid. Furthermore, the launch of new production capacity will create hundreds of jobs, increase budget revenues, and expand export opportunities.
In the processing of tungsten and molybdenum, special attention was paid to the development of the complete "raw materials-processing-finished product" chain. This will enable the production of not only concentrates and semi-finished products, but also high-value-added products such as metal powders, alloys, rods, wire, industrial parts, and other finished goods.
To this end, the "Metals of the Future" technology park and R&D center are planned for large-scale deployment in Chirchik. The necessary conditions will be created there for the commercialization of scientific research, support for startup projects, and the production of high-purity metals and innovative products.
The President of our country emphasized the need to provide the technology park and its residents with additional benefits for the use of land and infrastructure, as well as the development of a financing program for startup projects.
The establishment of the only research and technology center for critical minerals in Central Asia was also discussed. The nanoanalysis laboratory being established in Chirchik will provide modern analytical services for projects in geology, mining, and metallurgy. Once fully operational, the laboratory will be able to analyze up to 1,000 samples per day, localize service imports worth $6.5 million, and establish service exports worth an additional $4 million.
The importance of expanding geological exploration, assessing promising areas and deposits based on international standards, recycling industrial waste, and actively engaging foreign investors and technology partners to accelerate project implementation in the industry was noted.
At the same time, the need for digitalization and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies was emphasized. Tasks were identified for creating a unified digital geological database, implementing 3D modeling of geological exploration, organizing real-time monitoring of production processes, and organizing market analysis and project management using modern platforms.
Particular attention was also paid to training highly qualified personnel for the industry. A dual education system has been implemented jointly with the Tashkent State Technical University, and two departments in metallurgy and materials science have been opened at the Technological Metals Plant. Currently, 64 university students are undergoing internships at the plant. Responsible officials have been instructed to expand dual education coverage, adapt curricula to the needs of new projects, and direct graduates to high-tech manufacturing.
The head of state emphasized that the critical minerals sector plays a key role in developing new industries, increasing exports, ensuring technological independence, and creating highly skilled jobs.
Responsible officials have been instructed to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of projects planned for 2026-2030.
Our country has enormous potential in this area. However, the activities of the Uzbek Technological Metals Plant are currently limited primarily to the production of tungsten and molybdenum. However, there is potential to organize the industrial production of 28 types of essential minerals through the development of new deposits, the construction of enrichment plants, and hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical plants.
The presentation discussed plans for fully tapping this potential for 2026-2030. Specifically, 120 projects worth a total of $4.2 billion are planned. It was noted that this will increase the industry's value to $1 billion by 2028 and $2 billion by 2030.
This year alone, 12 projects worth a total of $166 million are planned for launch. These projects will establish the production of three new types of metals—high-purity selenium, tellurium, and rhenium—as well as 21 types of import-substituting products, including powder metallurgy-based automotive components, and sulfuric acid. Furthermore, the launch of new production capacity will create hundreds of jobs, increase budget revenues, and expand export opportunities.
In the processing of tungsten and molybdenum, special attention was paid to the development of the complete "raw materials-processing-finished product" chain. This will enable the production of not only concentrates and semi-finished products, but also high-value-added products such as metal powders, alloys, rods, wire, industrial parts, and other finished goods.
To this end, the "Metals of the Future" technology park and R&D center are planned for large-scale deployment in Chirchik. The necessary conditions will be created there for the commercialization of scientific research, support for startup projects, and the production of high-purity metals and innovative products.
The President of our country emphasized the need to provide the technology park and its residents with additional benefits for the use of land and infrastructure, as well as the development of a financing program for startup projects.
The establishment of the only research and technology center for critical minerals in Central Asia was also discussed. The nanoanalysis laboratory being established in Chirchik will provide modern analytical services for projects in geology, mining, and metallurgy. Once fully operational, the laboratory will be able to analyze up to 1,000 samples per day, localize service imports worth $6.5 million, and establish service exports worth an additional $4 million.
The importance of expanding geological exploration, assessing promising areas and deposits based on international standards, recycling industrial waste, and actively engaging foreign investors and technology partners to accelerate project implementation in the industry was noted.
At the same time, the need for digitalization and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies was emphasized. Tasks were identified for creating a unified digital geological database, implementing 3D modeling of geological exploration, organizing real-time monitoring of production processes, and organizing market analysis and project management using modern platforms.
Particular attention was also paid to training highly qualified personnel for the industry. A dual education system has been implemented jointly with the Tashkent State Technical University, and two departments in metallurgy and materials science have been opened at the Technological Metals Plant. Currently, 64 university students are undergoing internships at the plant. Responsible officials have been instructed to expand dual education coverage, adapt curricula to the needs of new projects, and direct graduates to high-tech manufacturing.
The head of state emphasized that the critical minerals sector plays a key role in developing new industries, increasing exports, ensuring technological independence, and creating highly skilled jobs.
Responsible officials have been instructed to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of projects planned for 2026-2030.
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