The volume of coal production in Uzbekistan is planned to increase to 10 million tons in 2025. This was announced during a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Gazeta.uz reports.
In January, the President of Uzbekistan set the task of increasing coal production by 22% "taking into account the needs of the population, the social sphere, and industrial sectors."
In 2016, the level of production was less than 4 million tons per year. By 2023, it had increased by more than 15% to reach 6.55 million tons. The private sector accounted for 369 thousand tons. At the same time, coal imports also increased.
This year, production is planned to be increased to 8 million tons, of which 900 thousand tons will be mined by entrepreneurs, as noted during the presentation.
Coal is considered "an optimal source of energy in certain sectors," according to the president's press service. The country's coal reserves are estimated at almost 2 billion tons.
The President has instructed responsible officials to implement international standards in the industry, improve coal quality, and accelerate investment projects.
During the presentation, it was noted that geological exploration is underway in the Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent regions at four sites, with production planned to start next year. At the Shargunkumir plant, a coal enrichment installation with a capacity of 500 thousand tons per year will be launched.
Using advanced foreign experience, work continues on the evaluation and drilling of coal seams. These measures are expected to contribute to increasing coal production.
In April, it was reported that Uzbekistan plans to abandon state regulation of coal prices and transition to wholesale and retail price formation based on market principles.
In recent years, to conserve natural gas, part of the greenhouses, cement and brick factories, as well as kindergartens, schools, and hospitals in Uzbekistan, have begun to switch to coal fuel. In 2023, the conversion of 5,407 social facilities, 1,147 greenhouses, and 250 factories was expected.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 14, 2024