Uzbekistan to Launch “Metals of the Future” Hub in Chirchiq
A new technology park named «Metals of the Future» is scheduled to open in the city of Chirchiq. The facility will specialise in the advanced processing of tungsten and molybdenum.
Details of the planned industrial hub were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a recent briefing regarding the strategic development of the national mineral industry.
An integrated development centre will also be established at the site. This dedicated facility aims to support emerging industry startups, produce exceptionally high-purity metals and manufacture high-tech goods.
Regional critical minerals centre
During the presidential presentation officials also discussed the creation of a dedicated centre for critical minerals in Chirchiq. This complex will be the only facility of its kind in the wider region and is designed to significantly boost domestic research capabilities.
The hub will feature a state-of-the-art nanoanalysis laboratory to conduct extensive research for various projects across the geology, mining and metallurgy sectors. Once fully operational the laboratory will have the capacity to test up to 1,000 samples per day.
According to government estimates this new domestic capability will yield significant financial benefits. It is projected to eliminate $6.5 mln in expenses currently spent on foreign testing services while simultaneously generating $4 mln through the export of its own analytical expertise.
Industry expansion
The briefing also outlined immediate and long-term investment plans designed to rapidly scale the national mineral sector.
- Short-term initiatives: This year the government intends to launch 12 separate projects valued at a combined $166 mln. These initiatives will enable the domestic production of selenium, tellurium and 21 other distinct mineral products.
- Long-term expansion: An additional 120 projects worth a total of $4.2 bn are scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2030.
Officials expect this massive investment drive to drastically increase the overall value of national mineral production. Output is forecast to reach $1 bn within the next two years and climb to $2 bn by the end of the decade.
