Uzbekistan’s Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK) recently hosted journalists on an exclusive press tour to showcase progress on the largest investment project in the country’s history, signaling a major leap in industrial development.
The tour began at AGMK’s Engineering School, which trains specialists in geology, mining, metallurgy, and automation using methodologies from world-leading institutions like Germany’s Freiberg University of Technology. “We’re not just building factories—we’re cultivating the talent to run them,” said Behzod Salimov, the school’s director.
Reporters then visited the Kalmakyr deposit, one of the world’s largest copper reserves, followed by the Yoshlik I mine, a gold-rich copper deposit spanning 4 km long and 235 meters deep. The site employs 400 heavy machines and has introduced an innovative conveyor system, cutting ore transport costs by 30%.
A highlight was Copper Processing Plant No. 3, under construction since 2021 on a 200-hectare site. Once operational, it will process 60 million tons of ore annually, producing 894,000 tons of copper concentrate. Plans are also underway for Plant No. 4 and a new metallurgical complex, expected to create thousands of jobs.
Tashkent Region Governor Zoir Mirzaev emphasized the project’s global significance, noting rising copper demand. AGMK Chairman Abdulla Khursanov added that the $multibillion investment is boosting Uzbekistan’s economic appeal, with several countries expressing interest in partnerships.
The project is also spurring growth in auxiliary industries, including six new metalworks plants and a lime factory in Jizzakh to supply reagents.
Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, head of Uzbekistan’s National Media Association, remarked: “This proves Uzbekistan can build its industrial future independently.”
