Currently, the Uzbek Technical Metals Plant primarily produces tungsten and molybdenum. However, the authorities aim to establish industrial production of 28 types of strategic raw materials by developing new deposits and building processing plants and metallurgical facilities, according to NBK.
According to the plan, the sector’s output will grow to $1 billion by 2028 and double to $2 billion by 2030. Already this year, Uzbekistan will launch 12 projects worth $166 million and begin producing three new metals: high-purity selenium, tellurium, and rhenium.
In the processing of tungsten and molybdenum, Tashkent is focusing on a complete value chain from raw materials to finished products. Instead of concentrates and semi-finished products, the country aims to produce metal powders, alloys, rods, wire, and industrial components. To this end, the “Metals of the Future” technology park and a research and development center will be established in Chirchik. A nanoanalysis laboratory will also be opened there, capable of processing up to 1,000 samples per day. According to officials, this will be the only center of its kind in Central Asia.
