A cluster for gold mining and subsequent processing, as well as the expansion of geological exploration work, is planned for Karakalpakstan. The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced this information during a meeting held in Nukus on September 19.
The head of state emphasized that current geological surveys cover only 20% of the region's territory. He also noted that the emergence of major investors has led to a lack of up-to-date data on raw material reserves in Karakalpakstan.
As an illustration, the president cited a project implemented by a Chinese investor at the Urusoy deposit in the Karauzyak district. This company invested $33 million and introduced new technologies, which allowed for the discovery of 4 tons of gold reserves over an area of 200 hectares. At current market prices, this gold is valued at $563 million, and the project created 320 jobs.
Responsible bodies were instructed to resolve the issues raised by investors within one month, organize a gold mining and processing cluster with the potential to create 1000 jobs, and develop a comprehensive geological exploration program and conduct a reassessment of deposit reserves.
Issues of deep raw material processing
At the same meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the critical importance of deep processing of mineral resources available in Karakalpakstan. For example, 1 million tons of technical salt are annually produced from the Barsakelmes deposit in the Kungrad district without processing.
Furthermore, at the Kuskanatou deposit in the Bozatau district, according to state body estimates, processing mirabilite can ensure the production of up to 45 thousand tons of sodium sulfate annually, and processing astrachanite will allow for the production of magnesium sulfate.
Information was also presented regarding the intentions of a German company to invest $30 million in a quartzite deposit in the Beruniy district. This investor plans to launch the production of crystalline silicon and export finished products worth $25 million per year. It should be noted that the world market price for one ton of crystalline silicon is approximately $5500.
The official responsible for the chemical industry was instructed, in addition to already planned projects, to prepare and implement two more projects totaling $200 million, which should lead to the creation of 5000 new jobs. It is worth recalling that Uzbekistan produces about 120 tons of gold annually, with a significant portion, about 100 tons, coming from the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine.
