One of the key development priorities for the New Uzbekistan today is the efficient use of the country's mineral resource potential, the development of modern industry, and a significant increase in the production of high-value-added products.

In recent years, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country's mining and metallurgy industries have reached a qualitatively new level. Thanks to large-scale decisions made in this area, not only are new production capacities being created but a solid foundation for the development of the entire industry in accordance with international standards is being established.

One such strategically significant investment project is the megaproject for the development of the “Yoshlik I” deposit.

The project was officially launched by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 1 March 2017, "On measures to expand the production capacity of Almalyk MMC at the Yoshlik I deposit."

In August of that year, the head of state visited JSC “Almalyk MMC”, reviewing the Complex operations, ongoing investment programs, and long-term development plans. During the visit, specific objectives for modernizing the industry, expanding production capacity, introducing modern technologies, and increasing export potential were identified.

Since 2018, the work to implement international standards at the Complex have reached a new level. The assessment of mineral resources and ore reserves at the “Qalmaqqir” and “Yoshlik I” deposits was conducted in accordance with the JORC Code, an internationally recognized standard for the assessment and public reporting of mineral reserves and resources.

This, in turn, ensured the transparency of mineral resource assessments, the reliability of reporting, and increased confidence among international investors, while also facilitating the integration of Uzbekistan's mining industry into international financial markets. As a result, JSC “Almalyk MMC” has created a solid foundation for becoming one of the largest mining companies not only in Central Asia but also globally.

Today, the “Yoshlik” I deposit development project is valued at $4.62 billion. This is not only one of the largest industrial investment projects in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, but also a truly large-scale project that can be considered one of the signature achievements of the New Uzbekistan.

The deposit covers approximately 11,000 hectares. Once the project reaches full capacity, it will be possible to extract up to 65 million tons of ore annually. The mined ore will undergo primary crushing in high-performance large crushing facilities located directly on the open pit. The ore will then be continuously transported via a modern continuous flow system, using powerful belt conveyors, directly to Copper Processing Plant-3.

The use of this technology is essential for reducing trucking volumes, lowering transportation costs and fuel consumption, reducing environmental emissions, and ensuring the continuity and high efficiency of the production process.

Since the start of the Yoshlik I deposit development project, a number of major facilities have been built and commissioned. In particular, the central repair and mechanical plant has been reconstructed and expanded, the Yoshlik I railway station has been commissioned, and the geological sample storage facility has been built and commissioned at the “Kauldy” mine administration. Construction of the repair section for mining equipment at the “Barakali” site is nearing completion. The modern laboratory, designed to prepare and analyze up to 220,000 geological samples per year, has entered the final stages of construction and preparation for commissioning.

Simultaneously, new modern substations, power generation facilities, and auxiliary production facilities have been built and commissioned. All of this forms a reliable production infrastructure that will ensure the efficient operation of the deposit for decades to come.

Since the project's inception, 257.3 million cubic meters of overburden and 14.91 million tons of ore have been mined. The mine currently measures 4 kilometers in length, 2.3 kilometers in width, and 265 meters in depth. These figures demonstrate that Yoshlik I has become one of the largest open-pit mines in the republic in a relatively short period of time.

Today, more than 600 units of modern mining equipment manufactured by leading global companies operate at the deposit. This equipment enables high-productivity mining operations with extensive use of digital technologies.

To ensure the mine's efficient operation, transport and energy infrastructure is being rapidly developed. Specifically, power supply facility TP-8 has been commissioned, preparations are underway for the launch of substation TP-9, a 500 kV power line has been built, a digital substation has been commissioned, new railway lines have been constructed, and microprocessor control systems have been implemented. All of this has become a significant factor in optimizing traffic flows and reducing diesel fuel, electricity, and tire consumption.

The project's initial results clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. Since June 2024, 48.2 thousand tons of copper, 4,977 kg of gold, 25.4 tons of silver, and 413 tons of molybdenum have been produced. These figures significantly contribute to strengthening the country's export potential.

These results are practical confirmation that Yoshlik I is a large-scale national project that has incorporated the knowledge, experience, and dedicated work of domestic engineers, geologists, surveyors, construction workers, railway workers, power engineers, and thousands of other specialists.

Once the megaproject reaches its full capacity, copper production in the country will increase several-fold, the output of high-value-added products will expand, thousands of new jobs will be created, and exports and foreign exchange earnings will increase significantly. Machinery engineering, construction, energy, transportation, and the service sector will receive additional impetus. Most importantly, the Yoshlik I deposit development project will not only increase the production capacity of Almalyk MMC but also create a solid foundation for the development of the industrial, competitive, and innovative economy in the New Uzbekistan.

This megaproject, a practical embodiment of the economic reforms initiated by the President, will facilitate the rational use of Uzbekistan's mineral and raw material potential, transform national natural resources into high-value-added products, and further strengthen the country's competitiveness in international markets.

Yoshlik I is more than just a new deposit. It is a major step toward strengthening the industrial might of New Uzbekistan, opening the country's engineering potential, and confidently moving into the future.

Through the implementation of this project, Almalyk MMC not only strengthens its position as a pillar of the country's economy but also makes a significant contribution to Uzbekistan's position among the world's leading producers of copper and precious metals.

Zokirhuja Ishanhojaev,
Director of Yoshlik I Directorate