BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 29
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
With an increase in copper production in Uzbekistan to 400,000 tons in the next five years, revenues from the sale of copper may reach $7-8 billion, Trend reports referring to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan.
The mentioned issue was discussed at a meeting held by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the further development of copper production and the creation of an industrial cluster.
According to the information, over the past five years, the volume of copper production in Uzbekistan has increased almost 1.5 times and in 2020 reached 148,000 tons. It was noted that the work to produce high value-added products is not enough. In particular, about 60 percent of copper is exported as raw materials.
“Copper revenues in Uzbekistan currently stand at $2.5 billion. With an increase in copper production to 400,000 tons in the next five years, this figure, taking into account related industries, may reach $7-8 billion,” the message said.
Thus, Mirziyoyev instructed to form a group of qualified specialists and study foreign experience in organizing a copper industry cluster, determine strategic directions for the development of geology and the mining and metallurgical industry with the involvement of international companies.
The president also stressed the importance of developing a five-year program for expanding geological exploration for non-ferrous and rare metals. The task was set to create a modern design institute with the involvement of leading international companies for the development of design and engineering services in this area.
In addition, the president said that it is necessary to establish the production and maintenance of mining equipment and tools in our country. It is indicated that certain types of activities at the mills, such as road transport services, digitalization, can be transferred to the private sector on the basis of cooperation and outsourcing.
“It is necessary to expand the production of such products with high added value as metal alloys, household appliances, computers, batteries, components for electric vehicles at Uzeltekhsanoat enterprises,” Mirziyoyev said.
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