President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is pushing for significant growth in Uzbekistan’s coal production, with plans to triple output to 20 million tons in the long term. This ambitious goal includes the construction of a new plant for rare and rare earth metals, as announced by Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov.
The increase in coal production will be driven by expanding the number of subsoil users, with 14 entrepreneurs gearing up to produce over 900 thousand tons this year alone. President Mirziyoyev has also emphasized the need for more investment projects in the coal industry to further boost production.
Looking ahead, the target for next year is to double coal production to 10 million tons, with a long-term goal of reaching 20 million tons annually. In addition to coal, there is a focus on developing rare and rare earth metals, including lithium, to meet the growing global demand and capitalize on favorable market prices.
To support these efforts, the president has instructed the creation of a new industrial metals plant dedicated to producing rare and rare earth metals in Uzbekistan. This initiative aligns with broader objectives set by the government, including advancing science, establishing research and development centers, attracting innovation, generating new jobs, and adding value to products.
The recent memorandum of understanding signed with the European Union in the critical raw materials sector underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to diversifying supplies for eco-friendly technologies. With projects on rare earth materials valued at $500 million in the pipeline, the country is poised to make significant strides in the mining and geology sectors. President Mirziyoyev has also called for cost reduction at NMMC, increased localization, and expanded industrial cooperation to drive these initiatives forward.
