BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 9. President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev has been briefed on the progress of major investment
projects in Uzbekistan’s copper industry and plans for further
expansion as the country seeks to strengthen its position in
strategically important mineral production, Trend reports via the press
service of the Uzbek president.


Copper is increasingly viewed as a critical resource for
industrial development, energy systems, electrical manufacturing,
the digital economy and the global transition to green
technologies. Uzbek authorities have therefore prioritized
geological exploration, efficient development of existing reserves,
deeper processing of raw materials and the production of
higher-value-added products.


A key milestone was reached in March when the first phase of
Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3 at the Almalyk Mining and
Metallurgical Complex (AGMK) was commissioned. The facility is part
of the broader development of the Yoshlik-1 deposit and represents
an investment of $2.7 billion across a 196-hectare site.


Once fully operational, the plant is expected to process up to
60 million metric tons of ore annually and produce approximately
900,000 metric tons of copper concentrate each year.


During the presentation, the emphasis was on ongoing efforts to
launch the plant’s subsequent phases, stabilize technological
processes and achieve planned production targets. A phased schedule
has been established to bring ball mills in the grinding section
and flotation lines to full capacity.


President Mirziyoyev instructed to increase ore processing
volumes at the facility by the end of the year, complete the launch
of all major production chains and ensure stable operations.







Following the full commissioning of Concentrator Plant No. 3,
daily copper concentrate production at AGMK is expected to rise
from 2,400 metric tons to 5,000 metric tons. It was noted that the
introduction of modern technologies would help reduce energy
consumption and production costs while improving labor
productivity.


The presentation also focused on accelerating preparations for
Copper Concentrator Plant No. 4, another major project aimed at
expanding the country's copper-processing capacity.


The basic engineering documentation is currently being prepared,
while earthworks and drilling activities are already underway at
the construction site. Drawing on experience gained from the third
concentrator plant, planners are placing particular emphasis on
optimizing technological solutions and improving the efficient use
of energy and water resources.


Authorities are also working with international engineering
firms to enhance gravity separation, flotation, concentrate drying
and tailings thickening processes. In parallel, a feasibility study
is being prepared to support financing efforts involving
international financial institutions.


At the conclusion of the review, the president instructed
responsible agencies to allocate the necessary land for the fourth
concentrator plant, continue preparatory work at the construction
site, complete engineering documentation on schedule and finalize a
phased implementation plan for the project.