President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the country’s critical mineral resources and produce high-value-added products. During a presentation on March 7, the president emphasized the untapped potential of Uzbekistan’s mineral wealth, which includes deposits of over 30 metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium.
Historically, this sector has been underdeveloped due to a lack of investment in mineral exploration, waste processing, and value-added production. However, recent organizational reforms have laid the groundwork for significant progress. Over the next three years, Uzbekistan plans to implement 76 projects focused on 28 rare minerals, with a total investment of $2.6 billion. These projects aim to enhance the country’s resource base through increased funding for geological exploration and scientific research.
A key focus of the initiative is the application of modern technologies to extract valuable raw materials directly from ore, improve mineral purity, and produce high-value-added goods. For example, the enrichment of tungsten concentrate from the Ingichka deposit is expected to double its added value. Currently, 18 similar projects have been developed.
To strengthen the resource-processing-science-production chain, the government has proposed establishing technoparks in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions, which are rich in molybdenumand tungsten. President Mirziyoyev also emphasized the importance of technology transfer, the establishment of modern laboratories, and the creation of training centers to build a robust foundation for Uzbekistan’s participation in the global critical minerals market.
The president highlighted that, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Uzbekistan must secure a strong position in this competitive market.
