Uzbekistan intends to significantly expand its domestic raw material base for the development of the ferrous metallurgy industry. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced at a meeting on July 13, the country's iron ore reserves are estimated at approximately 1.5 billion tons. Authorities plan to accelerate the development of deposits and increase metallurgical production, Gazeta.uz reports.
An agreement has been reached with Chinese partners to extract 650,000 tons of iron ore per year at the Surun-ota deposit, with deliveries to the Uzbekistan Iron and Steel Works (Uzbekistan Iron and Steel Works) expected to begin in 2027. The Tebinbulak deposit is also planned for launch, with a capacity to produce up to 1 million tons of steel annually.
Analytical Commentary
The development of Uzbekistan's iron ore base is a key focus of its industrial policy, which seeks to reduce the metallurgy industry's dependence on imported raw materials and create a more sustainable domestic production chain. Today, the metallurgical sector plays a vital role in the republic's economy; however, the limited availability of domestic raw materials remains a major factor hindering further expansion.
The development of new deposits, including Surun-ota, Tebinbulak, and Temirkon, will increase steel production, expand the product range, and create conditions for the development of high-value-added enterprises, including seamless pipe production. Cooperation with China and Tajikistan is particularly important, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials during the transition period.
Attracting private investment and implementing modern exploration technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence, will be a key factor. If these projects are successfully implemented, Uzbekistan could strengthen its position as one of the leading metallurgical centers in Central Asia, increase industrial exports, and enhance the competitiveness of its economy. However, developing the industry will require significant investments in infrastructure, energy, and environmental standards.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 13, 2026