MINEX Forum

Tag: Uzbekistan mining

  • Uzbekistan Launches Major Copper Plant at AGMK to Boost Industrial Growth

    Uzbekistan Launches Major Copper Plant at AGMK to Boost Industrial Growth

    Uzbekistan has launched Copper Processing Plant No. 3 at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK), marking one of the largest industrial projects in the country’s mining sector.

    The $2.7 billion facility, built on a 196-hectare site as part of the development of the Yoshlik-1 deposit, is designed to significantly strengthen Uzbekistan’s industrial capacity and deepen domestic processing of mineral resources.

    🏗️ A megaproject in every sense
    The plant is capable of processing 60 million tonnes of ore annually and producing about 900000 tonnes of copper concentrate. This makes it not only one of the largest copper processing facilities in Central Asia, but also among the largest globally.

    The scale is almost cinematic:

    • Steel structures used equal roughly 10 Eiffel Towers

    • Reinforced concrete volume comparable to 2.5 Burj Khalifas

    International engineering leaders including Wood (Italy) and Worley (UK) were involved in the project, while technologies from Metso, FLSmidth, Weir Minerals and Siemens have been implemented.

    ⚙️ Smart factory powered by AI
    The plant is built as a fully digitalised operation:

    • Unified AI-based control system

    • 10% reduction in energy consumption

    • 15% lower production costs

    • 10% increase in labour productivity

    Daily copper concentrate output at AGMK will double from 2400 tonnes to 5000 tonnes once the plant reaches full capacity.

    🌍 Resource base for a century
    Uzbekistan’s leadership highlighted the long-term resource strength underpinning the project. The Yoshlik-1 and Kalmakyr deposits contain:

    • 45 million tonnes of copper

    • Over 5000 tonnes of gold

    These reserves are expected to support the industry for at least 100 years. The deposits also include valuable by-products such as molybdenum, selenium, tellurium and rhenium — metals critical for high-tech and emerging industries.

    📈 From raw materials to value chains
    President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasised a strategic shift from exporting raw materials to building full value chains.

    Today, Uzbekistan already processes about 100000 tonnes of copper domestically, with plans to reach 240000 tonnes in the near term and continue expanding through new projects.

    “Whoever builds a high value-added chain in copper will create the industry of the future,” the president said.

    🚀 What comes next
    The project is just one piece of a much larger industrial expansion:

    • A new $2.5 billion copper smelter is under construction

    • Copper cathode production will rise from 148500 to 300000 tonnes per year

    • Gold output will increase from 20 to 33 tonnes

    • Silver from 161 to 203 tonnes

    • Molybdenum from 850 to 1700 tonnes

    A fourth processing plant is already in early planning, which could boost these figures by another 50%.

    By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to reach:

    • 500000 tonnes of copper

    • 175 tonnes of gold

    • 500 tonnes of silver

    • 15000 tonnes of uranium

    💼 Economic and social impact
    The new plant alone will create over 6000 high-paying jobs, while the broader $22 billion pipeline of mining projects is expected to generate nearly 40000 jobs nationwide.

    At the same time, environmental measures such as green landscaping and drip irrigation systems are being implemented under the “Yashil Makon” initiative, aiming to balance industrial growth with sustainability.

    🎯 Big picture
    Uzbekistan is clearly shifting gears from a resource exporter to an industrial powerhouse — turning copper from a rock in the ground into a backbone of future industry, from energy grids to AI infrastructure.

  • Uzbekistan to Boost Copper Processing Capacity to 240000 Tonnes

    Uzbekistan to Boost Copper Processing Capacity to 240000 Tonnes

    Uzbekistan’s copper processing capacity is expected to reach 240000 tonnes this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during the inauguration of Copper Processing Plant No. 3 at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK).

    According to the president, processing volumes are set to continue growing over the next two to three years as new investment projects in the mining and metallurgical sector are implemented.

    Mirziyoyev emphasised that global demand for copper is increasing rapidly as the metal becomes increasingly important for modern industry. Copper plays a critical role in sectors such as energy, electrical engineering, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and the development of green energy systems.

    “Those who create a high value-added chain in the copper industry will effectively create the industry of the future,” the president said.

    As an example of the country’s expanding mining potential, Mirziyoyev highlighted the Yoshlik-1 deposit. The project was previously considered technically complex and difficult to develop, but production is now rapidly ramping up.

    The president said the mine is expected to produce around 20 million tonnes of ore this year. Over the next two years, output from the deposit is planned to increase to approximately 60 million tonnes.

    The expansion of processing capacity at AGMK forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a major producer of copper and other strategic metals, while building higher value-added industrial supply chains.

    Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Mirziyoyev officially launched the new copper processing plant at AGMK as part of the country’s industrial development programme.

  • Uzbekistan Reports Major Copper and Gold Reserves at Yoshlik-1 and Qalmoqqir

    Uzbekistan Reports Major Copper and Gold Reserves at Yoshlik-1 and Qalmoqqir

    Uzbekistan has identified major mineral reserves at the Yoshlik-1 and Qalmoqqir deposits, including an estimated 45 million tonnes of copper and more than 5,000 tonnes of gold, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during the launch ceremony of Copper Processing Plant No. 3 at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK).

    According to the president, the scale of these reserves is sufficient to supply Uzbekistan’s industrial sector with raw materials for at least the next 100 years.

    In addition to copper and gold, the deposits also contain rare metals such as molybdenum, selenium, tellurium and rhenium, which could support the development of new high-tech and innovative industrial projects.

    Mirziyoyev said the commissioning of the new processing facility significantly increases AGMK’s production capacity. Daily output of copper concentrate is expected to rise from 2,400 tonnes to approximately 5,000 tonnes.

    The plant incorporates modern technologies supplied by companies from the United States, Germany, Russia, China and Finland. Operations will be managed through an integrated digital control system using artificial intelligence.

    According to officials, the use of AI-driven monitoring and optimisation systems will reduce energy consumption by around 10%, lower production costs by 15% and increase labour productivity by roughly 10%.

    The expansion of AGMK’s processing capacity forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to strengthen its mining and metallurgical sector while increasing value-added production from its domestic mineral resources.

    Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves recently exceeded $77 billion for the first time.

  • Macron Calls for Reducing Europe’s Dependence on Russian Uranium

    Macron Calls for Reducing Europe’s Dependence on Russian Uranium

    French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian uranium supplies and diversify sources of nuclear fuel, pointing to several alternative producers including Uzbekistan.

    Speaking at an international nuclear energy summit in Paris, Macron said Europe remains significantly dependent on Russian uranium and must accelerate efforts to diversify supply chains. Among potential alternative suppliers, he mentioned Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Canada and Australia.

    Macron stressed that nuclear energy remains central to Europe’s long-term strategy for energy independence, economic decarbonisation and sustainable development.

    The French president also announced that France will soon hold a meeting of its Nuclear Policy Council in Paris, where new decisions regarding the development of the country’s nuclear energy sector are expected to be adopted.

    Uzbekistan has been increasing its uranium production in recent years. According to available data, the country produced about 7 000 tonnes of uranium last year, compared with around 4 000 tonnes in 2024.

    The country’s total identified uranium reserves are estimated at approximately 139 000 tonnes. Uzbekistan is also planning to expand production through the development of four additional uranium deposits.

    The renewed focus on alternative uranium suppliers comes amid growing concerns in Europe about the security of nuclear fuel supply as geopolitical tensions reshape global energy markets.

  • Uzbekistan and Mongolia Plan Joint Uranium Exploration Projects

    Uzbekistan and Mongolia Plan Joint Uranium Exploration Projects

    Uzbekistan’s state uranium company Navoiyuran and Uzbek Overseas Geology Company have begun discussions with Mongolia’s uranium producer Mon-Atom to launch joint geological exploration projects in the country.

    During a visit to Mongolia, the Uzbek delegation held meetings with Mon-Atom’s management to explore cooperation in uranium exploration on prospective sites. According to reports, the partners may begin exploration activities as early as this year.

    A strategic intergovernmental agreement between the geological ministries of Uzbekistan and Mongolia is expected to be signed during an upcoming meeting scheduled for April. The agreement will establish a framework for joint exploration and development initiatives in the uranium sector.

    Following the negotiations, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company and Mon-Atom agreed to proceed with a service contract that will support the preparation of project documentation and licensing materials required for subsoil use.

    At the initial stage of the exploration programme, the partners plan to carry out approximately 60,000 metres of integrated drilling across selected sites. After evaluating the uranium resource potential, the companies will determine further steps for detailed geological assessment.

    The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to expand its international exploration activities. Last month, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company launched a two-year geological expedition in Afghanistan, where it is exploring for hydrocarbons, iron and copper across three licence areas.

    Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Geology has also signed a cooperation agreement with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, granting Uzbekistan priority rights to develop hydrocarbon resources discovered during exploration activities.

  • Uzbekistan’s mining sector marks a year of major discoveries, expansions and digital upgrades

    Uzbekistan’s mining sector marks a year of major discoveries, expansions and digital upgrades

    The past year brought several landmark developments for Uzbekistan’s extractive industry, ranging from new discoveries to large-scale industrial expansion and digital transformation.

    In September, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the discovery of a giant gas deposit on the Ustyurt Plateau. For the first time in the country’s history, exploration drilling in the area reached depths of 6.5 km. While technical details of the find have not yet been disclosed, exploration work in the region is being carried out by Uzbekneftegaz in partnership with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR.

    Industrial expansion was led by Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, one of the country’s largest resource producers. In October, the company launched the first processing line of its new MOF-3 concentrator. Once all lines are commissioned by 2026, the facility is expected to process up to 60 million tonnes of ore annually, producing 894,000 tonnes of copper concentrate and 1,500 tonnes of molybdenum concentrate. AMMC says MOF-3 will become the largest copper production facility in Central Asia.

    The company also commissioned its own emulsion explosives plant with a capacity of 90,000 tonnes per year, supporting expanded drilling and blasting operations at the Yoshlik I deposit. In addition, AMMC became the first producer in Uzbekistan to introduce an automated fleet management system at the Kalmakyr and Yoshlik I open pits.

    Another key milestone came in April, when Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company put into operation a new mine shaft at the Zarmitan gold deposit. The “Skipovoy” shaft, 6.5 meters in diameter and 1 km deep, will increase ore transport to Hydrometallurgical Plant No. 4 by 1.4 million tonnes per year.

    At the policy level, the government also announced plans to implement 76 projects focused on rare and rare earth metals, with total investments estimated at $2.6 billion.

  • Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Combinat Expands Modernisation Drive with Major Shaft Development at Zarmitan

    Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Combinat Expands Modernisation Drive with Major Shaft Development at Zarmitan

    Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Combinat (NMMC) is accelerating its modernisation strategy with a series of major investment projects designed to boost ore production, improve mining efficiency, and create new employment opportunities across the region. The company’s latest achievements highlight its growing role as a technological leader in Central Asia’s mining sector.

    A key milestone is the “Lower Horizons Development of the Zarmitan Deposit” project. In April 2025, NMMC commissioned the new “Skipovoy” shaft — a 6.5-metre-diameter, 1,000-metre-deep vertical shaft enabling the hoisting of 1,500 tonnes of ore per day. This high-capacity shaft has already generated 90 new jobs and provides critical new infrastructure for accessing deeper ore reserves.

    The parallel “Glavny” shaft has also reached the 1,000-metre mark. Once completed, it will support essential functions including ore hoisting, personnel and equipment transport, groundwater pumping, and ventilation of the underground mine network.

    The project has benefited from international cooperation: NMMC engineers worked with the Czech firm Mine Construction Alliance s.r.o. to link the “Skipovoy” and “Glavny” shafts at the 0.00 m level. This connection improves underground air circulation and establishes a secondary access route, strengthening operational safety and resilience.

    Key outcomes of these advancements include enhanced mining efficiency, expanded access to deeper ore bodies, and greater economic opportunities for local communities.

    Construction of the “Glavny” shaft is expected to be finished by the end of this year, marking another major step in NMMC’s comprehensive modernisation programme.

  • Uzbekistan and Limaomaoli Metal Company Discuss Syurenota Iron Ore Project

    Uzbekistan and Limaomaoli Metal Company Discuss Syurenota Iron Ore Project

    On March 14, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Ilzat Kasymov, met with Song Liping, CEO of Limaomaoli Metal Company, to discuss the development of the Syurenota iron ore deposit in the Tashkent region.

    The meeting covered the project’s progress, challenges faced by the investors, and potential areas for further cooperation. Representatives of the Chinese company expressed appreciation for the support received and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.

    Founded in November 2019, Limaomaoli Metal Company specializes in mineral exploration and iron ore extraction.

  • Uzbekistan Partners with Tethys for Strategic Mining and Technology Development

    Uzbekistan Partners with Tethys for Strategic Mining and Technology Development

    Uzbekistan’s UzTMK signed a strategic agreement with Tethys Trans-Eurasian Gateway, aimed at enhancing the nation’s mining and industrial capabilities. The deal covers mining lifecycle improvements, focusing on critical raw materials such as tungsten, lithium, and rare earth elements, with sustainable methods and high-value production. Tethys committed $30 million to back these initiatives. Partnerships with Istanbul Technical University and MEXT will also provide technology and training for green and efficient mining practices.

  • NMMC Secures $150 Million Loan from Japan’s MUFG for Expansion Plans

    NMMC Secures $150 Million Loan from Japan’s MUFG for Expansion Plans

    Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC), Uzbekistan’s largest industrial enterprise, has signed a $150 million bilateral loan agreement with Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). The funding will be directed toward NMMC’s ongoing investments, particularly to enhance its operations and expand its production capabilities.

    NMMC operates two major mining sites, seven hydrometallurgical plants, and two heap leaching facilities, positioning it as the largest gold producer in Central Asia. The company’s flagship asset is the Muruntau-Myutenbai open-pit mine, considered the largest of its kind globally, with a resource base of 101 million ounces of gold. In total, NMMC’s gold reserves are estimated at 148 million ounces.

    The loan comes after NMMC received long-term credit ratings of “BB-” with a stable outlook from both Fitch and S&P, reflecting its standing as a top-four global gold producer. Production is forecasted to surpass 3 million ounces by 2024. NMMC CFO, Jakhongir Khasanov, emphasized that the loan highlights the company’s strong financial health, noting that it will support further investments in expanding operations.

    In addition to the loan, NMMC has embarked on an ambitious investment program, set to increase processing capacity and production volumes while creating new jobs and modernizing existing facilities. The company is reportedly ahead of schedule on several projects, with expectations of boosting production capacity by 30% compared to 2017.

    Analysts have praised NMMC for its low-cost base, long mine life, high profit margins, and low debt levels. Fitch highlighted the structural reforms in Uzbekistan, which have contributed to macroeconomic stability, as a key factor in the company’s positive outlook. NMMC is 98% owned by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.

    MUFG, headquartered in Tokyo, is Japan’s largest financial institution and operates in over 40 countries, making it one of the biggest banking groups globally.