TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 16. Uzbek President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed plans to expand the country’s critical
minerals sector and boost the production of high-value industrial
goods, as demand for strategic metals continues to grow
globally.


This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the
Uzbek President.


During a presentation on the development of Uzbekistan’s raw
material base for critical minerals, officials outlined a 2026–2030
program that includes 120 projects worth a combined $4.2 billion.
The initiative is aimed at increasing domestic processing capacity,
strengthening technological industries, and expanding exports.


According to the plans presented, the sector’s annual output is
expected to reach $1 billion by 2028 and double to $2 billion by
2030.


Global demand for technology metals and critical minerals has
risen sharply due to their importance in industries such as
electronics, machinery manufacturing, aviation, energy, and
healthcare. While Uzbekistan possesses significant reserves of such
resources, the Uzbek Technological Metals Plant currently focuses
mainly on tungsten and molybdenum production.


Officials said the country has the potential to establish
industrial production of 28 critical minerals through the
development of new deposits and the construction of processing,
hydrometallurgical, and pyrometallurgical facilities.


This year alone, Uzbekistan plans to launch 12 projects valued
at $166 million. The projects will introduce production of three
new metals—high-purity selenium, tellurium, and rhenium—as well as
21 types of import-substituting products, including powder
metallurgy-based automotive components and sulfuric acid.


Authorities expect the new facilities to create hundreds of
jobs, increase budget revenues, and expand export
opportunities.


A key focus of the strategy is the development of a full value
chain for tungsten and molybdenum, moving beyond concentrates and
semi-finished products toward higher-value goods such as metal
powders, alloys, rods, wire, industrial components, and other
finished products.







As part of these efforts, the government plans to significantly
expand the “Metals of the Future” technopark and an associated
research and development center in Chirchik. The facilities are
expected to support the commercialization of scientific research,
startup development, and the production of high-purity metals and
advanced materials.


Mirziyoyev instructed officials to consider additional
incentives for the technopark and its residents, including support
related to land use, infrastructure, and startup financing.


The presentation also covered plans to establish Central Asia’s
only research and technology center dedicated to critical minerals.
A nanoanalysis laboratory being created in Chirchik will provide
advanced analytical services for geology, mining, and metallurgy
projects. Once fully operational, the laboratory is expected to
process up to 1,000 samples per day, replace $6.5 million worth of
imported services, and generate an additional $4 million in service
exports.


The president emphasized the importance of expanding geological
exploration, assessing prospective deposits according to
international standards, processing industrial waste, and
attracting foreign investors and technology partners to accelerate
project implementation.


Digitalization and artificial intelligence were also highlighted
as priorities. Officials discussed plans to create a unified
geological data platform, introduce 3D modeling for exploration
activities, implement real-time monitoring of production processes,
and use modern digital platforms for market analysis and project
management.


Workforce development was another key topic. In cooperation with
Tashkent State Technical University, Uzbekistan has introduced a
dual education system and established two specialized departments
in metallurgy and materials science at the Technological Metals
Plant. Currently, 64 university students are undergoing practical
training at the facility.


Mirziyoyev said the critical minerals sector would play an
important role in developing new industries, increasing exports,
strengthening technological self-sufficiency, and creating highly
skilled jobs. He instructed officials to ensure strict oversight of
all projects planned for 2026–2030.