In recent years, the copper industry has been considered a strategically important raw material for the energy sector, electrical engineering, the digital economy, and "green" development. In this regard, special attention is being paid to expanding geological exploration work in Uzbekistan, efficiently developing existing reserves, deep processing of raw materials, and producing high value-added products.
It is reported that in March of this year, the first stage of the 3rd copper enrichment plant was launched at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine. This project, being built on an area of 196 hectares within the framework of the development program for the "Yoshlik-1" mine, is valued at 2.7 billion dollars. After the plant begins operating at full capacity, 60 million tons of ore will be processed annually, producing nearly 900 thousand tons of copper concentrate.
During the presentation, information was provided on the work being carried out to launch subsequent stages of the plant, stabilize technological processes, and achieve the designated production capacities on time.
In particular, a specific schedule has been developed for gradually bringing the ball mills in the crushing shop and the flotation lines to full capacity.
The responsible officials have been tasked with increasing the volume of ore processing at the 3rd copper enrichment plant by the end of this year, fully commissioning the main technological chains, and ensuring production stability.
It was noted that after the 3rd copper enrichment plant is fully operational, the daily production volume of copper concentrate at the combine will be increased from 2.4 thousand tons to 5 thousand tons. Additionally, the introduction of modern technologies will make it possible to reduce energy consumption and product costs, as well as increase labor productivity.
The presentation also discussed work on the project for the 4th copper enrichment plant.
It was reported that basic engineering documents for the project are currently being prepared. Earthworks and geological drilling are being carried out at the construction site.
During the implementation of the project, special attention will be paid to improving technological solutions based on the experience of the 3rd plant and to the economical use of energy and water resources.
At the same time, measures have been defined to improve technological processes such as gravity separation, flotation, concentrate drying, and tailings thickening in cooperation with international engineering companies, as well as to prepare the feasibility study of the project to attract funding from foreign financial institutions.
At the end of the meeting, instructions were given to the responsible officials to allocate the necessary land plots for the 4th copper enrichment plant, continue preparatory work at the construction site, complete the basic engineering documents within the specified deadlines, and clarify the plans for the phased commissioning of the project.
