President Mirziyoyev Oversees $4.6 Billion Copper Plant Construction in Almalyk
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan recently visited the “Yoshlik-1” deposit in Almalyk where construction is underway for a new copper enrichment plant. The $4.6 billion facility, part of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC), is set to boost Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical production significantly by 2028.
The copper enrichment plant, which is being constructed to process high-value ores from the “Yoshlik-1” deposit, represents a major investment in Uzbekistan’s industrial infrastructure. In its initial phase, the plant will be able to process 60 million tons of ore per year, resulting in the production of 917,000 tons of copper concentrate and 2,500 tons of molybdenum concentrate. This expansion will also create 5,600 new job opportunities.
Furthermore, the plant has been designed to enhance efficiency through the installation of conveyor systems between processing units, reducing manual ore transportation and cutting costs significantly.
In the second phase, the plant’s processing capacity will triple to 160 million tons annually. By 2028, the AMMC is projected to produce 400,000 tons of copper, 50 tons of gold, and 270 tons of silver each year, solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest mining and metallurgical complexes.
According to official statements, Almalyk holds vast reserves, with estimates indicating 45 million tons of copper reserves and over 5,000 tons of gold reserves, positioning it as a significant global deposit.
The expansion is expected to more than triple the plant’s output, with a production value nearing $8 billion. Additionally, the complex’s growth will result in the creation of 11,000 new high-tech jobs.
Currently, the AMMC leads in the extraction of non-ferrous, rare, and precious metals in Uzbekistan, contributing 5% of the country’s gross industrial production and 6% of its industrial exports. It is clear that the development of the new copper enrichment plant will further strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in the global mining and metallurgical industry.
