Uzbekistan implements projects for extraction of rare minerals worth $2.6 billion

On March 7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with plans to develop the extraction of minerals that are critical for the industry and produce products with high added value, the press service of the head of state reports.

Deposits of more than 30 metals, including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium and titanium, have been identified in the republic. For a long time, this area was not given due attention, investments in geological exploration, processing of man-made waste and production of finished products were not carried out.

In recent years, the necessary organizational mechanisms have been created, as well as work has begun on the production of products with high added value. At the presentation, the Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov presented the promising opportunities of the industry.

Over the next three years, it is planned to implement 76 projects on 28 types of rare minerals worth $2.6 billion. To expand the raw material base, additional funding is provided for geological exploration and research.

The main task in this area will be the extraction of valuable metals using advanced technologies, improving their purity and in-depth processing. As an example, the Ingichka deposit was mentioned, where the enrichment of tungsten concentrate will double its added value. Currently, 18 similar projects have been developed.

For the integrated development of the industry, it is proposed to create technology parks in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions rich in molybdenum and tungsten. The President instructed to establish technology transfer, open modern laboratories and training centers.

The meeting also discussed the creation of a solid scientific and technical base that will allow Uzbekistan to take a competitive position in the context of the "fourth industrial revolution".