SNAPSHOT OF THE METALS AND MINING SECTOR

Uzbekistan is one of the most resource-rich countries in Central Asia, possessing extensive reserves of strategic minerals and metals critical to global industrial supply chains. Covering approximately 449 thousand square kilometers and strategically located at the crossroads of major regional markets, Uzbekistan has become an increasingly attractive destination for mining and metals investment.

The country holds substantial reserves of gold, copper, uranium, silver, tungsten, molybdenum, lithium, rare earth elements, potassium salts, and other strategically important minerals. Uzbekistan ranks among the world’s leading countries in mineral reserves, including 5th globally in gold reserves, 12th in uranium reserves, 8th in copper reserves, and 4th in potassium salt reserves.

The mining sector continues to play a major role in the national economy and industrial development. In 2025, total mining sector output reached approximately $17.6 billion, while metallurgical industry output exceeded $14.7 billion during January–October 2025. Uzbekistan also produced around 130 tons of gold in 2025, reinforcing its position among the world’s largest gold-producing nations.

Coal production continued expanding to support industrial and energy demand, reaching approximately 3.9 million tons in 2025. Mining and quarrying accounted for around 11.4% of Uzbekistan’s total industrial production, highlighting the sector’s strategic importance to economic growth and exports.

Modernization and Investment Reforms

Uzbekistan continues implementing large-scale reforms aimed at improving transparency, attracting foreign direct investment, and modernizing the mining and geological exploration sectors. The government has introduced international standards for geological block classification and expanded auction-based licensing mechanisms for exploration and mining rights.

To improve investor access and reduce administrative barriers, the principle of “first come, first served” has been introduced for underexplored areas without confirmed reserves. In addition, permits for subsoil use are now issued through digital one-stop-shop government platforms.

Investment Incentives

Foreign investors benefit from a broad range of incentives and regulatory preferences, including:

• exemption of geological exploration land plots from land tax; 
• customs exemptions for imported exploration and mining equipment not produced domestically; 
• simplified licensing procedures; 
• support for geological prospecting and mineral resource development; 
• expanding opportunities for public-private and foreign-investment partnerships.

These reforms are designed to strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a globally competitive mining jurisdiction and a strategic supplier of critical minerals for international markets.