Uzbekistan has officially begun industrial-scale production of the rare metal rhenium, according to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AGMK). The launch follows several years of scientific research and development by AGMK specialists, who in 2021 developed a process to produce rhenium with a purity of 99.9% using hydrogen reduction of ammonium perrhenate. Production is taking place at a specialized unit within the Uzbek Technological Metals Plant, equipped with advanced German machinery. The new facility is expected to produce up to 3 tons of rhenium annually.
Raw materials for rhenium production are sourced from copper smelting operations and other local industrial enterprises. Rhenium, element 75 in the periodic table, is one of the densest and most heat-resistant metals and is in high demand globally. Its primary uses include high-performance superalloys for jet engine turbine blades, catalysts in oil refining, advanced electronics, and medical research equipment. The aerospace sector alone accounts for about 60–70% of global rhenium consumption, as the metal is crucial for manufacturing turbine blades that can withstand extreme temperatures and improve engine efficiency. Rhenium’s unique properties also make it valuable in electronics, petrochemical catalysis, and medical applications.
The global market for rhenium remains highly concentrated, with Chile and Kazakhstan traditionally leading production. Uzbekistan’s entry into the market is expected to strengthen its position in the international rare metals sector and diversify global supply. The price of rhenium has remained high due to its rarity and demand, with 1 kilogram averaging around $2,000. The launch of Uzbekistan’s rhenium production is seen as a strategic move to capture value in high-tech and aerospace supply chains.
The implementation of this project highlights Uzbekistan’s focus on combining scientific research with modern industrial technology to produce high value-added products. As demand for advanced materials continues to rise in aerospace, electronics, and energy sectors, Uzbekistan’s new capacity is positioned to contribute to both domestic industrial development and international markets.
