Progress on implementing major projects in the copper industry reviewed
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the progress of major investment projects in the copper industry and on plans.
Copper is becoming a strategic raw material for industry, energy, the electrical engineering sector, the digital economy, and green development. In this regard, the country is paying special attention to expanding geological exploration, efficiently developing existing reserves, deep processing of raw materials, and producing high-value-added products.
In March of this year, the first stage of Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3 was commissioned at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. The project, implemented as part of the program to develop the Yoshlik-1 deposit on 196 hectares, cost $2.7 billion. Once the plant reaches full capacity, it will be able to process up to 60 million tons of ore per year and produce about 900,000 tons of copper concentrate.
During today’s presentation, information was provided on the work underway to commission the next stages of the plant, ensure the stability of technological processes, and reach the planned production capacities on time.
In particular, a clear schedule has been set for the phased ramp-up to full capacity for ball mills in the grinding workshop and for the flotation lines.
The task is to increase ore processing volumes at Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3 by the end of this year, fully launch all main technological chains, and ensure production stability.
After the full launch of Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3, the complex’s daily output of copper concentrate is expected to increase from 2,400 to 5,000 tons. The introduction of modern technologies will reduce energy consumption and production costs and increase labor productivity.
The presentation also addressed the issue of accelerating the development of the Copper Concentrator Plant No. 4 project.
Basic engineering documentation is being prepared as part of the project, while earthworks and drilling operations are underway at the construction site.
In this project, taking into account the experience of Plant No. 3, particular attention is being paid to optimizing technological solutions and to the rational use of energy and water resources.
In addition, measures have been defined to improve the technological chains for gravity concentration, flotation, concentrate drying, and tailings thickening in collaboration with international engineering companies, as well as to prepare a feasibility study for the project to attract funding from foreign financial institutions.
Responsible officials were instructed to allocate the necessary land plots for Copper Concentrator Plant No. 4, continue preparatory work at the construction site, complete the basic engineering documentation by the established deadlines, and clarify the plan for the project's phased launch.
UzA
