Uzbekistan is emerging as a regional leader in the field of critical minerals research and training. The country is making significant investments in institutional capacity building, illustrated by the establishment of the Higher School of Technological Metals at TMK. This new institution is forming a hub for global academic collaboration, bringing together international partners to explore innovative educational and scientific models aimed at driving progress and securing a skilled, sustainable workforce for the sector.
Recent efforts are underpinned by Uzbekistan’s ambitious commitment of $2.6 billion over three years (2025–2027), dedicated to 76 projects focusing on 28 types of rare and critical minerals. These include vital resources for emerging technologies—such as tungsten, lithium, titanium, vanadium, and others crucial for aerospace, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. The government’s strategic move is to pivot from simply exporting raw materials, prioritising instead advanced processing and high-value-added production, which will greatly increase the value of the country’s mineral output.
Supporting this shift, techno-parks and specialised technology hubs are being developed in mining-rich regions like Tashkent and Samarkand. These centres will integrate training, research, and innovation, helping to modernise the industry and cultivate local expertise. Additionally, President Mirziyoyev has instructed state officials to facilitate technology transfer, open modern laboratories, and establish new training facilities to prepare a new generation of mineral specialists.
The sector is also promoting international educational exchanges and joint programmes, such as partnerships with foreign universities and research institutes specialising in geology and mining. This collaborative approach is expected to not only raise scientific standards and technological capabilities but also address the anticipated demand for highly qualified professionals, estimated at around 13,000 specialists by 2030 in Uzbekistan’s mining sector.
In summary, Uzbekistan’s commitment to research, training, and institutional development—supported by international collaboration—is positioning it as a future hub for critical minerals and scientific innovation, with a clear focus on sustainability, advanced technology, and global competitiveness.
