Uzbekistan produces 7,000 tonnes of uranium in 1 year

Last year, Uzbekistan produced 7,000 tonnes of uranium, while confirmed reserves increased to 139,000 tonnes. This was announced today, February 2, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on ongoing work in the coal and uranium industries and plans for the near future.

The meeting discussed measures to increase coal production volumes, strengthen competition in the sector, and ensure the efficient use of existing reserves.

It was noted that during the 2025–2026 autumn-winter season, Uzbekistan plans to mine 10 million tonnes of coal, which is 1.3 million tonnes more than in the previous season. To date, 9 million tonnes of coal have already been extracted, representing an increase of 590,000 tonnes. The need to raise production to 11 million tonnes in the following season was also emphasized.

To achieve this, it is considered important to accelerate the development of mines located in the Tashkent and southern regions, expand selective mining, and attract additional excavators and equipment through outsourcing. By expanding private sector participation, it is planned to produce an additional 2.5 million tonnes of coal in 2026.

Special attention was paid to the development project of the Nishbosh coal deposit in Angren. Within this investment project, which has reserves estimated at 233 million tonnes and a value of nearly $500 million, coal extraction is expected to begin in 2026 with an initial output of 1 million tonnes. In the future, annual production capacity is planned to reach 10 million tonnes. The project will create 880 permanent jobs.

The presentation also reviewed a project aimed at producing new types of industrial products through deep coal processing. On the initiative of Uzbekkimyosanoat JSC, plans are in place to establish polymer production through chemical coal processing. The project is valued at $5 billion and will enable the processing of 8–9 million tonnes of coal annually, with a production capacity of 1.18 million tonnes of polymer products.

Last year, Uzbekistan produced 7,000 tonnes of uranium, while confirmed reserves reached 139,000 tonnes.

This year, the development of the Arnasoy, Western Kizilkak, Southern Jongeldi, and Eastern Agron deposits is planned to begin.

In connection with the increase in raw material extraction volumes, the need to expand processing capacities was also highlighted.

Measures were outlined to ensure a stable supply of sulfuric acid and technical sulfur required for uranium processing.

The President instructed responsible officials to ensure the timely and high-quality implementation of planned projects in the coal and uranium industries, increase production volumes, and enhance economic efficiency.