Independence gave us the opportunity to determine our own destiny, strengthen the power of our national industry, and assume responsibility for the future. Today, our plant is welcoming the Independence celebration with worthy labor achievements, modernized production capacities, and major strategic projects.

The history of our plant dates back to the 1950s–1960s. At our enterprise, the foundation of which was laid on May 15, 1958, the first sulfuric acid was produced on May 1, 1963, and on September 30, 1970, zinc metal was produced for the first time in the history of Uzbekistan. Subsequently, the commissioning of the Waelz shop and the introduction of a three-stage purification system raised the quality of our products to the level of world standards. Today, the growing demand for zinc in the automotive, mechanical engineering, and household appliance industries places an even greater responsibility on our team. Our enterprise constitutes an integrated and continuous technological complex consisting of roasting, leaching, electrolysis, Waelz processing, cadmium production, and sulfuric acid production shops.

After our country gained independence, within the framework of the relevant resolutions of the Head of State, large-scale modernization works were carried out at our plant aimed at reducing production costs, ensuring energy efficiency, and replacing obsolete equipment.

In particular, 2 new overhead cranes were installed in the Roasting Shop to ensure the continuous transportation of raw materials, increasing the charge preparation rate by 30–40 percent. 4 fluidized-bed furnaces underwent complete overhaul, and their control system was fully digitalized. The roasting process is now monitored automatically, without human intervention.

In the Waelz Processing and Leaching Shops, in order to intensify the process of purifying the zinc metal contained in the solution from foreign elements, 6 completely new high-performance filter press units were fully commissioned. To strengthen quality control at the Central Laboratory, state-of-the-art equipment was brought from Germany. An ICP inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer, which enables high-speed analysis of complex elements, as well as a Spectro Xepos X-ray spectral analyzer, which enables rapid analysis, were installed.

The production activities of our plant are inextricably linked with environmental protection. The main environmental task of the Sulfuric Acid Shop is to capture the harmful sulfur gas generated during the roasting process and produce a marketable product from it.

At the initiative of our President, in order to further improve the environmental situation, a major high-value investment project — the construction of Sulfuric Acid Shop No. 6 — has been launched, and final construction works are currently underway. Within the framework of the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) program, thousands of tree seedlings have been planted in the sanitary protection zones around the plant, and green areas have been expanded.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the future of the plant is in the hands of knowledgeable and energetic young people. At the “School of Engineers” established at the Combine, young specialists are improving their practical skills in the fields of metallurgy, mechanics, and automation on the basis of the 40/60 dual education system.

In addition, the “Mentor–Apprentice” traditions and special leadership courses aimed at preparing young people for managerial positions have been introduced. Winners of traditional professional skills competitions such as “Best Young Metallurgist” and “Best Young Mechanic” are directly included in the personnel reserve list. In order to ensure open dialogue between the management and young people, “Leader and Youth” meetings are held regularly, and employees’ problems and proposals are resolved on the spot.

We will not stop at the results achieved. For the period up to 2040, very large and significant goals have been set for the Zinc Plant. Our priority tasks are to fully digitalize the plant’s operations and launch a unified control center; to achieve 100 percent utilization of the raw material base and extract additional rare metals through the deep processing of clinker waste; to reduce the human factor in production processes; to ensure safety; and to further strengthen the social support of employees.

It is a source of immense pride for all of us that we are welcoming the 35th anniversary of our Independence with modernized capacities, high economic indicators, and a united team.

Once again, I congratulate our hardworking employees and respected veterans on this great holiday and wish all of you good health, family happiness, and success in your work for the prosperity of our Motherland! May our Independence be eternal!

Farrukh Utanov,

Director of the Zinc Plant