Uzbekistan’s $2.6 Billion Investment to Enhance Rare Mineral Industry
Uzbekistan is gearing up to launch 76 projects over the next three years, focusing on 28 rare minerals with a total investment of $2.6 billion. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently reviewed a presentation outlining the country’s plans to expand its raw material base for critical industrial minerals and produce high-value-added products.
With deposits of more than 30 metals including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium, Uzbekistan aims to revitalize a sector that has previously been neglected. Investments in exploring rare minerals, processing industrial waste, and producing finished products have been lacking in the past.
Efforts have been made in recent years to establish an organizational framework in this field and produce valuable high-value-added products. The Minister of Mining Industry and Geology, Bobur Islamov, highlighted the potential in this area during the presentation.
Additional funding will be allocated for geological exploration and scientific research to expand the raw material base. The main objective is to extract valuable raw materials directly from ore using modern technologies, increase mineral purity, and create high-value-added products. For example, enriching tungsten concentrate from the “Ingichka” deposit is expected to double its added value.
To strengthen the chain of “raw materials – processing – science and technology – finished products,” technoparks have been proposed in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions, known for their molybdenum and tungsten reserves.
President Mirziyoyev has instructed authorities to facilitate technology transfer, introduce advanced expertise in the sector, establish modern laboratories and training centers. It was emphasized that building a strong foundation in this market is crucial in the era of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
With a focus on innovation and modernization, Uzbekistan is poised to make significant strides in utilizing its rare mineral resources and creating high-value products in the coming years.
