Uzbekistan Identifies Major Copper and Gold Reserves

Uzbekistan has identified major mineral reserves at the Yoshlik-1 and Qalmoqqir deposits, including about 45 mln tonnes of copper and more than 5,000 tonnes of gold, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during the launch of a new copper processing facility.

Speaking at the opening of Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3 at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine, Mirziyoyev said the deposits contain enough raw materials to support the country’s industrial needs for at least a century.

The sites also hold reserves of rare metals including molybdenum, selenium, tellurium and rhenium, which could support the development of new high-technology and innovation projects.

With the new facility now operational, daily copper concentrate production at the combine will rise from 2,400 tonnes to 5,000 tonnes. The plant incorporates modern technologies supplied by companies from the United States, Germany, Russia, China and Finland.

Operations at the facility will be managed through a digital control system powered by artificial intelligence, which officials say will cut energy consumption by 10%, reduce production costs by 15% and increase labour productivity by 10%.

From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.