The Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan is holding “Switzerland Days” in the capital under the slogan “Quality. Innovation. Trust.” The event, which began on November 29 this year, will continue until December 2. This traditional platform plays an important role in strengthening Uzbekistan–Switzerland business relations and providing valuable experience to domestic manufacturers and exporters as Uzbekistan progresses toward membership in the World Trade Organization.

As part of “Switzerland Days,” a delegation of Swiss business representatives visited the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex on November 30.

The delegation, led by Konstantin Obolenskiy, Switzerland’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan, first visited the “Metallurg” Palace of Culture, where they familiarized themselves with the history of the complex and the museum dedicated to the “Suyurlitepa” archaeological site.

Their next destination was the “Kalmakyr” and “Yoshlik-1” mines. The mining operations and ore transportation processes left a strong impression on the guests.

The delegation then visited the recently constructed and commissioned 3rd Copper Concentrator Plant, where they examined production capacities, installed equipment and technologies in use. The visitors acknowledged the plant’s significant potential.

The next stop for the guests was the Engineering School, modeled after the training center of Germany’s Aurubis company. The school is equipped with modern training tools and provides full facilities for practical learning. Currently, AMMC employees working in geology, mining, industrial transport, surveying, mineral processing, metallurgy, mechanics, energy and industrial automation are being trained here. The school also trains engineering and technical specialists for other industrial enterprises in Uzbekistan, as well as for foreign companies.

In the afternoon, negotiations were held between the two sides. Participants included Ambassador Obolenskiy, AMMC Deputy Chairman for Personnel and Social Affairs Sadi Shermatov, representatives of Swiss companies such as ABB, Aqua+Tech, Hilti, Leica Geosystems, Liebherr Mining, LNS Group, SGS and SICPA, along with AMMC specialists.

During the meeting, Frederik Shone, senior adviser at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, presented information via videoconference on Switzerland’s involvement in promoting responsible, sustainable and transparent practices in the extraction and trade of raw materials.

Presentations were also delivered on themes such as “Responsible extraction of mineral resources: cooperation and investment opportunities” and “Swiss value propositions: responsible and sustainable mining.”

Around 10 Swiss companies provided detailed information about their activities.

The primary purpose of the visit was to explore the potential of the Switzerland–Uzbekistan private partnership in implementing sustainable mining practices.

Uzbekistan’s mining sector is undergoing major changes aimed at sustainable development, modernization, global investment partnerships and strengthening environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. Amid wide-ranging reforms, the sector — a strategic pillar of the national economy — offers growing opportunities for international cooperation, including in advanced technologies, infrastructure development, environmental responsibility and human capital growth.

Events of this kind undoubtedly broaden Swiss companies’ understanding of AMMC and Uzbekistan’s mining industry, help identify promising investment and partnership opportunities, strengthen Switzerland–Uzbekistan business and institutional relations, boost awareness of responsible mining, and lay the groundwork for pilot projects, feasibility studies and cross-sector collaboration.

We asked guests to share their impressions of the visit.

Konstantin Obolenskiy, Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan:
“Today we visited AMMC together with representatives of 25 companies. This reflects the deepening cooperation between Switzerland and Uzbekistan. AMMC leadership welcomed us warmly and sincerely. The companies presented innovative ideas and advanced solutions for the efficient use of existing resources. These organizations are highly creative, technology-driven and very focused on quality — traits that I believe define Swiss business. We intend to further strengthen our partnership in the future.”

Mikhail Kortenbusch, Director of Business Finance Consulting:
“Today in Almalyk I had the opportunity to tour the mining complex, and I must say, I was deeply impressed. I work in finance and have lived in Central Asia for several years. I can confidently say that the approach to industry here is comprehensive and strategic. New development strategies have been created, and the directions pursued — particularly in gold, copper and other precious metals — are very promising. I believe the future of industry in Uzbekistan is bright, and I wish the entire AMMC team great success. The presence of the museum and the performance of national dances during the visit also left a strong impression. Here, you truly feel that this is not just a mining complex, but a place where the life of the entire city is closely connected to the enterprise.”

Rustem Sharipov, Head of the ABB Representative Office:
“I represent ABB, a Swiss company. We supplied twelve large drive systems for the ball mills of the 3rd Copper Concentrator Plant. Several have already been successfully commissioned, while the rest are in the final adjustment phase. Conveyor lines, modular block facilities, the electrification system and partial automation of the conveyor lines — all of these have been supplied and implemented by our company.

Overall, Swiss companies and the Swiss state have a strong interest in expanding investment and cooperation with Uzbekistan. The new plant is one of the major investment projects.

Not every company in the world is capable of achieving an annual production capacity of sixty million tons — this is an exceptional figure. We wish you success in increasing capacity to 120 million tons by 2030 under the 4th Concentration Plant project. With our high-quality Swiss-made equipment, we stand ready to help you achieve these ambitious goals.”

For reference: Switzerland Days is an annual event organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan to strengthen economic and cultural ties. Through the presentation of Swiss innovation, reliability and quality, the program includes interactive sessions, thematic exhibitions and meetings. Masterclasses are aimed at both government officials and the business community.

 AMMC Information service