Shavkat Mirziyoyev got familiar with a presentation on expanding the production of rare earths and high-value-added products Friday, the presidential press service said.
Uzbekistan has rdiscovered deposits of more than 30 metals, including tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium. Previously, the rare metals were not receiving attention they deserved, and little to none investments were made for exploration of rare minerals, 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 been launched to produce valuable high-value-added products. During the presentation, Minister of Mining Industry Bobur Islamov outlined the potential in this area.
With an aim to produce rare earths, additional funding will be provided for geological exploration and scientific research.
At the meeting, the presentations featured that the main objective was to extract valuable raw materials directly from ore using modern technologies, increase mineral purity, and create high-value-added products. For example, enriching tungsten concentrate from the Ingichka deposit will double its added value. Currently, 18 such projects have been prepared.
To build the "raw materials – processing – science and technology – finished products" chain, technoparks have been proposed in the Tashkent and Samarkand provinces.
The head of state instructed the authorities to facilitate technology transfer and introduce advanced expertise in this sector, establish modern laboratories and training centers. Additionally, it was noted that in the context of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution," it is necessary to build a solid foundation to secure a strong position in this market.
Over the next three years, Uzbekistan aims to launch 76 projects focused on 28 rare minerals, with a total investment of $2.6 billion.
