Critical minerals raw material base to be expanded, production of high value-added products to be established

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on plans to develop the raw material base for critical minerals and expand the production of high value-added products.

Global demand for technological metals and critical minerals is growing significantly. These raw materials and products are indispensable for the electrical engineering, machine-building, aviation, energy, medical, and other high-tech industries, and play an increasingly important role in ensuring economic security and industrial competitiveness.

Uzbekistan possesses enormous potential in this area. However, the activities of the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex are currently focused mainly on the production of tungsten and molybdenum. At the same time, opportunities exist to establish industrial production of 28 types of critical minerals through the development of new deposits, the construction of enrichment plants, and the establishment of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical factories.

During the presentation, plans to fully utilize this potential for 2026–2030 were reviewed. A total of 120 projects worth $4.2 billion are planned. These projects are expected to increase industry output to $1 billion by 2028 and to $2 billion by 2030.

This year alone, 12 projects worth $166 million are planned for launch. As a result, production of three new metals, high-purity selenium, tellurium, and rhenium, will be established, along with 21 types of import-substituting products, including powder metallurgy-based automotive components and sulfuric acid. In addition, the introduction of new production capacities will create hundreds of jobs, increase budget revenues, and expand export opportunities.

Particular attention was paid to establishing a complete "raw material–processing–finished product" value chain in tungsten and molybdenum processing. This will enable the production not only of concentrates and semi-finished products but also of high value-added products such as metal powders, alloys, rods, wires, industrial parts, and other finished goods.

To this end, a large-scale expansion of the Metals of the Future technopark and an R&D center is planned in Chirchik. The necessary conditions will be created there for the commercialization of scientific developments, support for startup projects, and the production of high-purity metals and innovative products.

The President emphasized the need to provide the technopark and its resident enterprises with additional incentives related to land use and infrastructure, as well as to develop a financing program for startup projects.

The establishment of a research and technology center for critical minerals, the only one of its kind in Central Asia, was also discussed. The nano-analysis laboratory being established in Chirchik will provide advanced analytical services for projects in geology, mining, and metallurgy. Once fully operational, the laboratory will be capable of analyzing up to 1,000 samples per day, localizing imported services worth $6.5 million and generating an additional $4 million in service exports.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the importance of expanding geological exploration, assessing promising areas and deposits in accordance with international standards, processing industrial waste, and actively attracting foreign investors and technology partners to accelerate project implementation in the sector.

At the same time, the need for digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies was emphasized. The Head of State instructed officials to create a unified digital geological database, introduce 3D modeling of exploration activities, implement real-time monitoring of production processes, and organize market analysis and project management using modern digital platforms.

Particular attention was also given to training highly qualified personnel for the sector. A dual education system has been introduced jointly with Tashkent State Technical University, and two departments specializing in metallurgy and materials science have been established at the Technological Metals Complex. Currently, 64 university students are undertaking practical training at the enterprise. Responsible officials were instructed to expand dual education programs, adapt curricula to the needs of new projects, and facilitate the employment of graduates in high-tech industries.

The President emphasized that the critical minerals sector plays a crucial role in developing new industries, increasing exports, ensuring technological independence, and creating highly skilled jobs.

Responsible officials were instructed to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of projects planned for 2026-2030.