Introduction

Uzbekistan is one of the most resource-rich countries in Central Asia and holds a strategic position in regional economic dynamics. As emphasized by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country possesses strong economic potential, a young population, and abundant natural resources. With reserves of natural gas, coal, gold, copper, tungsten, bismuth, and oil, Uzbekistan is evolving not only as a raw material supplier but also as an emerging center for processing, refining, and export-oriented mining production. In this context, the mining sector has become one of the core pillars of the country’s industrialization strategy.

1. Rich Mineral Resources and Geoeconomic Advantage of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s underground resources are highly diversified and globally significant. The country has large reserves of natural gas and coal, along with substantial deposits of gold, copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten, and rare metals. This positions Uzbekistan as a key actor not only in Central Asia but also in the broader Eurasian mining corridor.

In particular, Uzbekistan ranks among the top global gold producers, giving it significant influence in international commodity markets. Additionally, the presence of strategic metals used in electric vehicles, battery technologies, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing increases the country’s long-term geoeconomic importance.

Thus, Uzbekistan is no longer only a resource holder but is increasingly becoming a strategic supplier in the era of critical minerals.

2. Almalyk and the Industrial Mining Model

One of the most important pillars of Uzbekistan’s mining centralization is the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. Historically, the Almalyk region has been a mining hub since ancient times, with archaeological evidence of copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc extraction.

Today, Almalyk is one of the largest industrial enterprises in the country, employing around 35,000 workers. It operates across multiple regions including Tashkent, Jizzakh, Namangan, and Surkhandarya, producing copper-molybdenum, lead-zinc, gold, and silver.

The complex is not just a mining site but an integrated industrial ecosystem including extraction, processing, metallurgy, logistics, maintenance, and technological development units. This structure demonstrates Uzbekistan’s transition from raw material extraction to value-added industrial production.

3. Modernization, Investment, and the Goal of Regional Leadership

Uzbekistan has recently accelerated large-scale modernization programs in the mining sector. Major investment plans for Almalyk aim to significantly increase production capacity in copper, zinc, and sulfuric acid, supported by hundreds of millions of dollars in funding.

New projects such as “Yoshlik I” and “Yoshlik II” deposits are expanding the country’s long-term resource base and production stability. These developments include new metallurgical complexes, machinery plants, lime and explosives facilities, and supporting industrial infrastructure.

Furthermore, gold and silver produced at Almalyk meet the “Good Delivery” standards of the London Bullion Market Association, confirming Uzbekistan’s credibility in international precious metals markets. The country is also strengthening transparency and compliance with global standards.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan is rapidly transforming into the mining and metallurgical hub of Central Asia. Driven by rich mineral reserves, large-scale industrial complexes, and state-led modernization policies, the country is shifting from a raw material exporter to a value-added industrial producer.

With increasing global demand for critical minerals such as copper, gold, and rare metals, Uzbekistan’s geopolitical and economic importance is expected to grow further, positioning it as a rising mining power in Eurasia.