In recent years, Uzbekistan has been ambitiously positioning itself as a leader in the global rare minerals sector. In March 2025, the country unveiled a three-year investment plan worth $2.6 billion aimed at developing 76 mineral projects, including tungsten and molybdenum, encompassing 28 critical elements. This strategic initiative is designed not only to revitalize the domestic economy but also to transform Uzbekistan into a key player in the global technology supply chain through the high-value development of its mineral resources.
A Grand Vision for Mining
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev formally announced the plan during a meeting held in Tashkent on March 7. He highlighted that the country possesses abundant reserves of tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, lithium, germanium, graphite, vanadium, and titanium—resources deemed indispensable to the global high-tech industry. However, these deposits have long remained underexploited due to insufficient investment and outdated technology. The launch of this plan signals Uzbekistan’s determination to address this shortfall, driving a comprehensive upgrade of its mining and related industries through the implementation of 76 specific projects.
The $2.6 billion investment will be allocated across multiple areas: geological exploration to identify new deposits, the adoption of modern technologies to extract high-purity raw materials from ores, and the establishment of a complete industrial chain from extraction to processing. President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the objective extends beyond merely exporting raw materials; instead, the focus is on converting these minerals into high-value products such as automobiles, electronics, and advanced technological equipment, thereby bolstering the nation’s industrial base. This vision has garnered significant governmental attention, with the president personally overseeing and advancing the implementation of relevant policies.
Emphasis on Technology and Talent
To achieve this ambitious goal, Uzbekistan plans to establish technology centers in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions. These centers will not only handle mineral processing but also serve as hubs for scientific research and talent development. The government intends to build a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" through technology transfers, the construction of advanced laboratories, and the creation of specialized training institutions. This dual investment in technology and human resources underscores Uzbekistan’s long-term vision for mineral development.
Notably, the technology parks in Tashkent and Samarkand will leverage the region’s rich molybdenum and tungsten resources to evolve into high-tech industrial clusters integrating research, processing, and manufacturing. These parks will focus on converting raw materials into core components for green energy solutions and cutting-edge electronic products, thereby enhancing Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in the international market.
A New Role in the Global Supply Chain
Uzbekistan’s mining strategy has implications far beyond its borders, influencing the global supply chain. As a nation rich in rare earths and critical minerals, Uzbekistan is poised to emerge as a significant alternative to existing supply sources, particularly amid rising global demand for such resources. Several countries, including the United States, have expressed keen interest in Uzbekistan’s mineral wealth. For instance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a February call this year that the U.S. looks forward to mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan in the critical minerals sector.
In recent years, the United States has sought to reduce its reliance on single-country suppliers (such as China) for rare earths, and Uzbekistan’s rise comes at an opportune moment. The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding on mineral resource development in September 2024, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration. Uzbekistan’s plan is also seen as an "invitation" to Western investment, potentially attracting further international capital and technological expertise.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite its promising outlook, Uzbekistan faces several challenges in realizing this vision. Currently, the country lags in mineral processing technology and high-end manufacturing capabilities, necessitating reliance on external technical support. Moreover, large-scale mining operations could pose potential environmental risks, making the balance between economic growth and sustainability a critical issue for the government to address.
Nevertheless, with its abundant natural resources, a clear development strategy, and robust governmental backing, Uzbekistan’s mining revolution holds immense potential. If successfully executed, this plan could not only reshape the country’s economic landscape but also secure it a prominent position in the global technology industry, establishing Uzbekistan as a vital link in the supply chain connecting East and West.
In summary, Uzbekistan’s three-year mineral development plan represents a bold economic and technological endeavor. By advancing 76 projects focused on resources like tungsten and molybdenum, the nation is stepping into a new era, the outcomes of which will unfold in the coming years.
