Mirziyoyev Leads Meeting on Accelerating Mining Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AGMK) to accelerate the implementation of major investment projects in the mining sector.

During the session, attention was focused on strategic industries dependent on copper, uranium, lithium, tungsten, and other critical and rare-earth metals. The growing global demand for these resources and the shortage of copper concentrate were noted as reasons for expediting mining and metallurgical projects.

The President emphasized the need for full mobilization of resources to achieve the 2030 targets: 175 tons of gold, 500 tons of silver, 15,000 tons of uranium, and 500,000 tons of copper. Projects must be executed according to a strict schedule, coordinating financing, construction, logistics, technological equipment, and staffing.

Key strategic projects of the Almalyk Combine were critically reviewed, including the acceleration of the third copper processing plant and construction of a new copper smelter. Instructions were given to complete feasibility studies, involve foreign experts, and commence construction promptly.

Special attention was given to preparing a feasibility study for the fourth copper processing plant, covering water supply, rail and energy infrastructure, environmental compliance, and the implementation of high-efficiency technologies.

For 2026, the sector plans to attract $2.2 billion in investments, with projected output of 172,500 tons of copper, 120 tons of gold, 210.5 tons of silver, and 8,000 tons of uranium. Geologic exploration will be accelerated, leveraging new regulations simplifying project approval procedures.

Other topics included coal mining and processing, expansion at “Uzmetkombinat,” increasing production of critical metals and complex alloys at the Technological Metals Combine, reducing costs and energy consumption, and increasing domestic components in procurement and industrial cooperation.

The President ordered the organization of specialist training aligned with modern technologies, dual education programs, linking academic curricula with industrial tasks, and practical application of scientific developments at enterprises.

Finally, an Industrial Council chaired by the President was established to systematically oversee major projects in mining, metallurgy, chemicals, and the oil and gas sector. The Council will approve monthly transformation plans, monitor cost and energy reduction, deep processing, digitalization, AI integration, investment growth, and export development. Officials will provide monthly local implementation analyses and quarterly reports on progress.