Uzbekistan plans to raise critical minerals output to $2.7 billion by 2030

Uzbekistan plans to raise output of 16 types of critical mineral raw materials to more than $2.7 billion by 2030. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the plans at a presentation of projects by the Uzbek Technological Metals Complex. By the end of 2026, the enterprise plans to launch 12 investment projects and expand production of high-purity selenium and tellurium. The president also ordered the enterprise to master 11 more products, including nickel, cobalt, graphite, antimony, platinum and copper.

Deep processing of tungsten is a separate focus, with $1.1 billion in planned investment and output reaching nearly $2.2 billion by 2030. At Navoiyuran, uranium production is to double from 7.5 thousand to 15 thousand tonnes by 2030, and explored reserves are to reach 200 thousand tonnes. This year's plans include expanded geological exploration and 250 new jobs.

The president also instructed the use of alternative uranium production technologies, with the share of reagents replacing sulfuric acid planned to reach 40% by 2030. The Eurasian Development Bank and the Uzbek Technological Metals Complex earlier signed a memorandum on cooperation in critical minerals mining and processing.