‘A natural match’: experts praise Uzbekistan-South Korea rare metals partnership
Uzbekistan, a nation with vast mineral wealth, is emerging as a major force in the global rare earth metals market. With over 2,900 identified ore-bearing deposits and prospective sites, Uzbekistan holds one of the most diverse mineral portfolios in the world. Its confirmed mineral reserves alone are estimated at $970bn, while its overall mineral potential exceeds a staggering $3.5 trillion. This extraordinary resource base includes more than 100 types of minerals, with around 60 currently under active exploitation. The nation ranks among the world’s top ten for reserves of gold, uranium, and copper, and it holds some of the largest deposits of oil and natural gas, covering nearly 60% of its territory.
With rare earth elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, and other non-ferrous metals essential for advanced technologies, Uzbekistan is collaborating with South Korea to unlock the full potential of these resources. At the recent KR-Uz Committee Meeting for Management ODA (KR-UZ Rare Metal Center), two prominent figures, Prof. Bum Sung Kim from Korea National Institute of Rare Metals (KORAM) and Amir Abidov, Deputy Chairman of UzTMK, shared insights into this groundbreaking partnership. They discussed how Uzbekistan’s mineral abundance and South Korea’s technological expertise are paving the way for Uzbekistan’s rise as a rare metals hub.
“Uzbekistan and Korea are a natural match in this regard,” Prof. Kim remarked, explaining that Korea’s expertise in refining high-value metals complements Uzbekistan’s extensive resource base.
Uzbekistan’s Mineral Wealth and South Korea’s Role
South Korea’s involvement in Uzbekistan’s rare earth industry aims to support the country’s transition from raw material producer to high-value exporter. With 40 gold deposits, Uzbekistan ranks 4th globally for gold reserves and 7th in production, while also boasting significant deposits of silver, uranium, copper, and coal.
“In Korea, we don’t have many natural resources, but we have the technology to add value,” Prof. Kim explained, emphasizing the importance of refining processes for metals with high melting points like tungsten and molybdenum.
“Our focus is on achieving ‘five-nines’ purity, or 99.999%, which is essential for high-tech applications and greatly enhances the value of Uzbekistan’s metals,” he added.
This collaboration, supported by over $12mn from South Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, funds sustainable and efficient extraction methods while providing advanced equipment and training for Uzbek engineers. The partnership is expected to expand Uzbekistan’s pilot facilities in Chirchik City to an industrial scale, making it possible to meet global demand for critical materials from its extensive reserves. “Uzbekistan’s rare metals are essential for our technology industry,” Prof. Kim noted. “This partnership is helping both countries secure a reliable supply chain for the future.”
Sustainable Innovations in Rare Metals Extraction
Uzbekistan is committed to balancing mineral extraction with sustainable practices, a central focus of the partnership with South Korea. According to Amir Abidov, UzTMK’s Deputy Chairman, the country has implemented eco-friendly measures to ensure responsible mining practices.
“We’ve shifted from ammonia leaching to soda leaching, which has drastically reduced emissions and mitigated waste impacts,” Abidov said, explaining that emissions are monitored publicly to keep communities informed. “Now, all the people can see that we are working responsibly,” he added.
To further minimize environmental impact, Uzbekistan has introduced water-saving technologies in mineral processing, with assistance from Spanish and Korean research institutes. This is essential given the significant resources needed for rare earth metal extraction.
“We are reclaiming tungsten from waste tailings, which previously had no use. The purified tailings can now be repurposed as construction materials,” Abidov explained, underscoring the resourcefulness in Uzbekistan’s approach to mining. “These innovations reflect our commitment to responsible resource management and align Uzbekistan’s practices with international standards.”
A Key Player in the Global Rare Metals Supply Chain
Uzbekistan’s abundant reserves of rare and precious metals—gold, silver, copper, and uranium—place it at the heart of the global rare earth supply chain. The country has recently signed agreements with the European Union, the United States, Germany, and China to supply essential raw materials like copper and molybdenum.
“Countries like Uzbekistan play a big role in diversifying global supply chains,” Abidov said, noting that rare earth metals are “vitamins of industry,” necessary for sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and aerospace technology.
Prof. Kim emphasized the strategic importance of refining these materials locally to maximize value. “By refining metals in Uzbekistan, the country avoids the pitfalls of merely exporting raw materials, securing a sustainable place in the global supply chain and capturing the value-added benefits,” he explained. He pointed out that many countries export raw materials at lower prices, missing out on the economic benefits of local refining—a trap Uzbekistan aims to avoid.
“Uzbekistan has an opportunity to capture a larger share of the rare earth market by refining these resources at home,” Kim added.
Investing in Technical Expertise for Rare Metals Production
To ensure Uzbekistan’s rare metals industry is equipped with a skilled workforce, South Korea has established a training program for Uzbek engineers. “Each year, we bring ten Uzbek engineers to Korea for hands-on training with advanced technology,” Kim noted, adding that around fifty engineers have been trained so far. This ongoing knowledge transfer equips Uzbekistan’s workforce to manage complex machinery and sustain the growth of its rare metals sector. “It’s essential that the people handling these processes have the technical expertise to do so efficiently and safely,” Kim emphasized.
Looking Forward: Uzbekistan’s Rare Metals Potential
The establishment of the Uzbek-Korean Scientific and Technological Center of Rare Metals and Alloys marks a new chapter in Central Asia’s rare metals research capabilities. Located at the former refractory metals plant in Chirchiq, this center provides Uzbekistan with advanced tools to study over 70 chemical elements, maximizing the value of its vast mineral resources.
“This transition from resource extraction to creating advanced products is pivotal for Uzbekistan,” said Abdurashid Khasanov, Deputy chief engineer of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AMMC). “We are not just excavating; we’re creating high-value products for the semiconductor industry, pharmaceuticals, and machining,” he explained.
Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s guidance, Uzbekistan is implementing a new Subsoil Law to align with international standards, attract foreign investment, and ensure sustainable growth in the rare earth sector. Strategic agreements with the EU, U.S., and South Korea underscore Uzbekistan’s commitment to establishing itself as a responsible supplier in the rare earth metals market.
“Our main objective is to create value-added products that meet international standards,” Mirziyoyev said, reinforcing his vision for a future-ready Uzbekistan.
With an extraordinary array of mineral reserves and a strong focus on sustainable practices, Uzbekistan is set to become a central player in the global supply chain for critical raw materials. Through advanced technology, skilled workforce development, and strategic international partnerships, Uzbekistan is primed to meet the demands of the global technology sector responsibly and profitably.
