Uzbekistan prepares to mine lithium

Uzbekistan is preparing to start production and processing of lithium in the country. The Ministry of Geology considers the development of other "technological metals" in the country as a promising direction.

Azam Kadirkhojaev, Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan, said that Uzbekistan intends to start developing lithium.

“A large lithium deposit, which is in Uzbekistan, we are preparing to start mining and processing this metal in the country,” the deputy minister said.

He noted that the ministry as a whole considers the development of so-called "technological metals" in the country to be a promising direction.

A little less than a year ago, the President of Uzbekistan was informed about plans to create a project office called Yangi Kon (New Mine) under the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan with an authorized capital of $15 million. The structure will be engaged in the implementation of investment projects for the extraction of graphite, lithium, aluminum, magnesium and other rare metals.

It should be noted that the portfolio of investment proposals of Uzbekistan includes the development of the Shavazsay lithium deposit in the Tashkent region. Its reserves exceed 123 thousand tons. The cost of the project is estimated at $59.5 million.