New Almalyk Mining Copper Plant Begins Work with 60 Million Tonne Capacity

Why It Matters

The expansion dramatically boosts Uzbekistan’s strategic position in the copper market, supporting the global energy transition while driving domestic industrial growth and fiscal revenue.

Key Takeaways

• New plant processes 60 million tonnes annually
• Expected copper concentrate output 900,000 tonnes per year
• Capacity boost could lift Almalyk to top‑10 globally
• Project creates 6,000 high‑paying jobs
• Digitised operations cut energy use 10% and costs 15%

Pulse Analysis

Copper is a cornerstone of the clean‑energy shift, powering electric vehicles, renewable grids and modern infrastructure. By adding a 60 million‑tonne processing capacity, Uzbekistan not only secures a larger share of this growing market but also reduces its reliance on raw‑material exports. The new plant’s projected 900,000 tonnes of concentrate positions the country as a significant upstream supplier, aligning with global demand forecasts that anticipate a steady rise in copper consumption over the next decade.

The $2.7 billion investment underscores Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to attract foreign capital and modernise its mining sector. With an estimated $10 billion of foreign inflows in the past nine years, the project creates over 6,000 high‑skill jobs and fuels ancillary industries such as jewellery manufacturing, which has tripled in output. Increased processing capacity is expected to lift mining’s contribution to national GDP, bolstering state revenues and supporting the government’s goal of tripling copper production to 500,000 tonnes annually.

Technologically, the plant showcases rapid execution and advanced automation. Equipment from METSO, ABB and other global partners enables a fully digitised operation that can cut energy consumption by roughly 10 % and lower production costs by 15 %. Integrated AI‑driven management systems boost labour productivity and set a benchmark for future expansions, including a planned $2.5 billion smelter and a fourth processing unit. These innovations position Almalyk as a competitive hub in the global copper supply chain, ready to meet the escalating needs of the energy transition.