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Uranium production in Uzbekistan increased to 7,000 tons, reserves are estimated at 139 thousand tons
In 2025, Uzbekistan produced 7,000 tonnes of uranium, while the volume of identified reserves reached 139 thousand tonnes. This was reported by the presidential press service following a review of development plans for the uranium industry.
Uranium production increased by 75%, according to data from the World Nuclear Association, which had reported production of 4,000 tonnes in 2024.
Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology Ural Yusupov, in an interview with the TV channel «Uzbekistan 24», stated that this year instructions were given to launch and accelerate mining operations at several deposits.
This year it is planned to begin development of the «Arnasay» (Jizzakh region), «Western Kizilkok», «Southern Zhongeldi» (Navoi region), and «Eastern Agron» (Samarkand region) deposits.
According to him, in connection with the expected increase in production volumes, the need to expand uranium processing capacity has been noted.
«At a time when global supply chains for raw materials and products are experiencing disruptions, the task has been set to accelerate the development of this sector,» he noted.
A separate instruction was given to accelerate the development of the «Arnasay» uranium deposit. The total cost of the investment project is estimated at USD 150 million, and «clear instructions have been given to begin uranium production from July this year,» Ural Yusupov reported.
«For the development of the „Arnasay“ deposit, it is planned to build 68 km of roads and 110 km of new power transmission lines,» he added.
In addition, instructions were given to accelerate the development and updating of feasibility studies for all projects. To ensure stable supply of sulfuric acid — a key raw material in the technological process — for uranium production, it was ordered to accelerate the commissioning of a sulfuric acid plant in Navoi region, which is to be launched this year by the Uzbek Technological Metallurgical Plant.
Zaravshon Industry has also been given specific deadlines and instructions to speed up the launch of its own sulfuric acid production plant.
For comparison: in Kazakhstan, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, production amounted to 25.8 thousand tonnes.
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