Rare elements are a general term for elements that have low reserves and a sparse distribution in nature, and are less used by humans. They include lithium, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, germanium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, etc. According to their physical and chemical properties, rare metals are usually classified into five major categories: rare light metals, rare refractory metals, rare dispersed metals, rare rare earth metals, and rare radioactive metals. Rare elements are often used to manufacture special metal materials, such as special steel, alloys, etc., and are key materials in industrial fields such as aircraft, rockets, and atomic energy.

In recent years, with the intensification of international geopolitical turmoil, many countries have continuously joined the scramble for rare metal resources. Not long ago, Uzbekistan issued a statement on the exploration and production of mineral resources of great strategic significance. The official website of the President also released data on 76 rare metal projects, with a total asset value of 2.6 billion US dollars.

Previously, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan listened to a report from the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources. It is understood that Uzbekistan has discovered more than 30 kinds of rare metals so far, especially with considerable reserves of metals such as lithium, tungsten, molybdenum, germanium, and vanadium.

In the next three years, Uzbekistan plans to increase its investment in geological exploration and scientific research activities. Currently, the top priority is to increase the production of rare metals extracted from primary ores and tailings, and to produce products with high added value through technological innovation. A typical example is the successful extraction of tungsten concentrate from the waste rocks of the Enichkin tungsten mine in 2024. Currently, there are still 18 similar rare metal projects in operation.

As part of the rare metal development plan, it is planned to build mining-related industrial parks in Samarkand Region and Tashkent Region, as these two regions have the largest reserves of tungsten and molybdenum. In addition, new laboratories and training centers will be established to research and develop ore dressing technologies, and advanced foreign experiences will be drawn upon. (This article is from the official website of Seetao.com, www.seetao.com. No reprinting is allowed without permission. Otherwise, legal liability will be pursued. If reprinting, please indicate Seetao.com + the original text link.) Editor of the Strategic Column of Seetao.com / Yin Shiqian