Uzbekistan’s AMMC Targets 500,000 Tons of Copper Production by 2030

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AMMC) plans to ramp up copper production to 500,000 tons annually by 2030, according to Abdulla Khursanov, Chairman of AMMC. The expansion will be driven by new projects in the Tashkent region, focusing on developing non-ferrous and precious metal deposits at the Almalyk and Angren ore fields and processing waste materials containing valuable metals.

AMMC is constructing a new copper smelting complex, expected to be completed by 2027, which will increase copper cathode production from 148,000 tons to 300,000 tons annually. This complex will feature metallurgical and sulfuric acid facilities, an oxygen block, slag-enrichment plant, copper electrolysis shop, and supporting infrastructure. The project is financially supported by KfW IPEX Bank and AKA Bank.

Additionally, AMMC is completing Copper Processing Plant No. 3 at the Yoshlik I deposit with a 60 million-ton ore processing capacity. Plans are underway for a fourth copper concentrator to process another 60 million tons annually, raising the total capacity to 160 million tons. This facility will integrate advanced technologies like 18.4 MW grinding mills and a tailings thickening system to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Digital transformation is also a priority for AMMC, with over 60 projects completed in collaboration with international firms such as Siemens, SAP, AVEVA, and Schneider Electric. Automation efforts include the installation of strain gauge conveyor scales and advanced control systems, improving production accuracy and efficiency. These initiatives have saved 23,600 tons of diesel fuel between 2022 and 2023.

Khursanov emphasized that AMMC is enhancing its operational efficiency through Big Data and BI systems, aiming for 98% IT integration by 2027.