On February 2, the President of Uzbekistan was briefed on the current state and development plans for the coal and uranium industries. They discussed increasing coal production, strengthening competition in the industry, and the efficient use of existing reserves.
As noted, 10 million tons of coal are planned to be mined in the fall-winter season of 2025-2026, which is 1.3 million tons more than last season. As of today, 9 million tons of coal have been mined, an increase of 590,000 tons. It was emphasized that in the next season, it is necessary to bring production volumes to 11 million tons.
To achieve this, it is important to accelerate the development of deposits located in the Tashkent and southern regions, expand selective mining, and attract additional excavators and equipment on an outsourcing basis. By expanding the participation of private entrepreneurs, it is planned to extract an additional 2.5 million tons of coal in 2026.
Particular attention was paid to the project to develop the Nishbosh coal deposit in Angren. As part of the investment project, estimated to cost nearly $500 million, with reserves of 233 million tons, it is planned to start production in 2026 and ensure the production of 1 million tons of coal. In the future, the annual productivity of the deposit is expected to reach 10 million tons. The project will create 880 permanent jobs.
The presentation also discussed a project to produce new types of industrial products based on deep coal processing. At the initiative of the joint-stock company Uzkimyosanoat, it is planned to organize the production of polymer products based on chemical coal processing. The $5 billion project involves the creation of facilities for processing 8-9 million tons of coal and producing 1.18 million tons of polymer products per year.
Last year, 7,000 tons of uranium were mined in Uzbekistan, and the discovered reserves reached 139,000 tons.
This year, it is planned to start developing the Arnasay, Western Kyzylkok, Southern Zhongeldy, and Eastern Agron deposits. In connection with the expected increase in production volumes, the need to increase processing capacities has been emphasized.
Measures have been identified to ensure a stable supply of sulfuric acid for uranium processing and the technical sulfur required for its production.
The president has instructed the responsible persons to ensure the timely and high-quality implementation of planned projects in the coal and uranium industries, increase production volumes, and improve economic efficiency.
