Uzbekistan to Launch 91 Mineral Projects Worth $3.2 Billion in Surkhandarya by 2026

Major Investment to Boost Surkhandarya's Economy

Uzbekistan is embarking on a significant economic initiative, planning to launch 91 projects valued at $3.2 billion in the mineral deposits of the Surkhandarya region. The announcement, made during a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 24, 2025, highlighted the country's commitment to unlocking the region's substantial economic potential. A core component of this plan involves the full launch of projects totaling approximately $2 billion in 2026.

The strategic investment is aimed at fostering socio-economic development, creating new job opportunities, and reducing poverty within the region. The projects are based on 114 discovered mineral deposits in Surkhandarya, a region whose mineral resource reserves are estimated to be worth an impressive $600 billion. Despite this vast potential, less than 10% of these reserves have been developed to date.

Unlocking Untapped Mineral Wealth

The Surkhandarya region possesses diverse mineral resources, presenting a significant opportunity for industrial growth. Historically, the region has shown promise in various mining sectors. For instance, the Chinarsay polymetallic ores are known to contain lead, zinc, and gold. Other notable deposits include white marble in Sariosiyo, coal in Baysun and Sariosiyo, and raw materials for potash fertilizers in Sherabad. The Baysun district also holds potential for gas and sulfur production.

Recent developments include the commencement of a new coal deposit in the Baysun district, with estimated reserves exceeding 4 million tons. This new project alone has an initial stage cost of approximately $60 million.

Economic Growth and Future Outlook

The planned mineral investments are expected to build upon a foundation of recent economic progress in Surkhandarya. Over the past eight years, the region has successfully attracted around $3 billion in foreign direct investment, leading to the establishment of nearly 4,000 industrial enterprises. This influx of capital has contributed to a projected doubling of the region's industrial output in 2025, reaching an estimated 17.2 trillion soums (over $1.4 billion).

President Mirziyoyev's vision is to transform Surkhandarya into a leading region for investment, job creation, increased household incomes, and exports. The comprehensive plan underscores Uzbekistan's broader national strategy to enhance its mineral sector, with a focus on extracting valuable raw materials, improving mineral purity, and producing high-value-added products.