Uzbekistan Focuses on Developing Key Minerals

Information Source: China Mining Network

　　With abundant reserves of key minerals such as gold, uranium, and antimony, Central Asia is gradually becoming a key force in the global minerals and metals market. Kazakhstan alone accounts for 43% of the world's uranium production, making it the largest uranium producer globally; Uzbekistan ranks tenth in gold production worldwide. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are also developing significant antimony and tungsten deposits. Recently, the 2025 Central Asia Mining and Metallurgy Exhibition Forum themed "Central Asia: Emerging Strategic Player in Global Critical Mineral Security" was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, attracting attention from global mineral industry professionals.

　　Accelerating Integration into the Global Industrial Chain

　　At the forum's opening ceremony, Omonura Nasriddinkhojayev, First Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan, pointed out that in recent years, Uzbekistan has continuously taken practical measures to create favorable conditions for investors in the mineral sector. Vladimir Norov, Chairman of the Central Asia Artificial Intelligence Association and former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, stated that the rapid global demand growth for critical minerals brings new opportunities to Uzbekistan. He expects the demand for related resources to potentially double by 2030. Ilkhan Khan, Advisor to the Board Chairman of the Uzbekistan Technical Metals Consortium, said one of the organization's purposes is to promote the country's abundant mineral resources globally. The forum organizers noted that over the next three years, the government plans to significantly increase investment in geological exploration and scientific research to enhance resource extraction capabilities, focusing on improving the ability to extract rare metals from ores and industrial waste and developing high value-added production. For example, the Jingchika tungsten ore waste processing plant began operation in mid-2024, with 18 similar projects underway. Uzbekistan also plans to establish technology parks in the Samarkand and Tashkent regions to better utilize local rich tungsten and molybdenum reserves. The country also plans to build new laboratories and training centers and promote beneficiation technology development by leveraging international experience.

　　Uzbekistan's efforts have been recognized by international partners. Shalkhan, Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated at the forum that Uzbekistan's mineral industry is one of the most promising areas for cooperation with Kazakhstan. "We are preparing proposals to deepen cooperation with Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, in the field of critical minerals." Toivo Klaar, Head of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, pointed out that the EU supports Uzbekistan's efforts to develop its mining industry, strengthen vertical value chains, and consolidate its global supply position.

　　Rapid Development of the Mineral Industry

　　In recent years, Uzbekistan has focused on traditional minerals such as gold, copper, and coal, as well as strategic rare metals like tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, and titanium, comprehensively accelerating industrial upgrading and striving to build a complete, sustainable, and competitive mining value chain. Specific measures taken by Uzbekistan include:

　　First, increasing investment and project advancement. The country has launched 76 rare metal projects with a total investment of 2.6 billion USD; since its establishment in 2024, the Uzbekistan Technical Metals Consortium has initiated more than 70 integrated upstream and downstream projects with a total investment of 1.6 billion USD, attracting over 60 domestic and foreign strategic investors.

　　Second, optimizing legislative and policy environments. The new "Subsoil Resources Law" implemented in February 2025 expanded regulatory provisions from 51 to 172 items, introduced a "one-stop" licensing approval process, and clarified license transfer, mortgage, and supervision responsibilities. The supporting amendments in May further optimized drilling, well, and downstream processing licensing procedures. Incentive policies such as tax reductions, land use benefits, and export tax rebates provide convenient channels for foreign investment participation and technological cooperation.

　　Third, adhering to green development and sustainable practices. Uzbekistan vigorously promotes water and energy conservation, tailings reclamation, and post-mining land restoration, with multiple projects obtaining international Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) certifications. Through cooperation with multilateral institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, advanced exploration and deep processing technologies have been introduced. Several mining companies simultaneously carry out community healthcare, education, and infrastructure construction, strengthening corporate social responsibility and promoting coordinated development of mining area economies and livelihoods.

　　Through multiple measures, Uzbekistan's main mineral production and export volumes have reached new highs in many years, supporting steady growth in foreign exchange reserves and local fiscal revenues. In 2024, Navoi Mining & Metallurgy Combinat's gold production exceeded 3.1 million ounces, a year-on-year increase of 5.4%; from January to May 2025, Uzbekistan's gold export value reached 6.49 billion USD, up 54.8% year-on-year; the 2025 coal production target has been raised to 10 million tons, an increase of over 20% compared to 2024.

　　China-Uzbekistan Cooperation Leading in "Green" Initiatives

　　An official from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs told an Economic Daily reporter that currently, the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China is reaching new heights through multiple comprehensive measures centered on green development. Especially in mining, technical metals, and science and education cooperation projects, bilateral relations have been further consolidated, laying a foundation for sustainable development.

　　This year, a delegation from the Uzbekistan Technical Metals Consortium visited China, negotiated with several leading Chinese industrial enterprises, and established cooperative relationships. On April 24, 2025, the first meeting of the China-Uzbekistan "Green Minerals" working group was held in Tashkent, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and technical metals critical to high-tech industries. Liu Yu, representative of the China-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, stated: "Currently, the minerals and metals industry is an important topic for the economic development of both countries. Uzbekistan has abundant natural resources, while China has technological and financial advantages. Both sides have the capability to establish efficient cooperation. This sector will undoubtedly become a key pillar of economic development for both countries."

　　China-Uzbekistan cooperation in cultivating high-quality talent in the mineral industry is steadily advancing. A key initiative is the "1+1" joint master's degree program implemented by the Uzbekistan Green Mining Higher Engineering Institute in cooperation with China University of Geosciences. According to the program, 10 Uzbek master's students study in Uzbekistan during the first academic year and in China during the second academic year, receiving diplomas from both universities upon graduation. Additionally, development engineers and nano-analysis laboratory staff from the Uzbekistan Technical Metals Consortium have participated in internship programs in China, receiving training on advanced equipment operation, enhancing research and technical capabilities, and promoting experience exchange.

　　Overall, China-Uzbekistan mineral cooperation covers multiple dimensions including technical metals, green industries, and educational exchanges, with strategic significance. This partnership not only serves the interests of both countries but also contributes to global mineral security, sustainable energy development, and industrial technological innovation.