Critical Minerals for Industry: Uzbekistan’s Strategic Development Plans
On March 7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on expanding the raw material base for critical minerals essential to industry and the production of high-value-added products.
Uzbekistan has identified deposits of more than 30 metals, including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium. Previously, this sector had not received sufficient attention, and there were no significant investments in rare mineral exploration, the processing of industrial waste, or the production of finished products.
In recent years, an organizational framework has been established in this field, and efforts have begun to produce valuable, high-value-added products. During the presentation, the Minister of Mining and Geology outlined the potential in this area.
Over the next three years, Uzbekistan plans to implement 76 projects covering 28 rare minerals, with a total investment of $2.6 billion. To expand the raw material base, additional funding will be allocated for geological exploration and scientific research.
It was emphasized that the primary objective is to extract valuable raw materials directly from ores using modern technologies, enhance mineral purity, and create high-value-added products. For example, upgrading tungsten concentrate from the Ingichka deposit will double its added value. Currently, 18 similar projects have been developed.
To strengthen the raw material-to-product value chain—spanning extraction, processing, science, technology, and final production—it has been proposed to establish technology parks in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions, which are rich in molybdenum and tungsten.
The President instructed authorities to facilitate technology transfer and the adoption of advanced expertise in this sector, as well as to establish modern laboratories and training centers. He emphasized that in the era of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Uzbekistan must build a solid foundation to secure a strong position in this market.
Source: President.uz