10-07-202656
In recent years, Uzbekistan has been consistently implementing reforms aimed at diversifying the energy and raw materials sectors, ensuring stable domestic demand, and enhancing industrial potential. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as an important conceptual and methodological basis for evaluating the effectiveness of these processes. In particular, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) are directly aligned with the measures being implemented in the coal and uranium industries.
On 2 February 2026, a review of progress in the coal and uranium industries and plans for the near term was conducted under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The data presented indicates that a systemic approach is being developed, aimed not only at increasing production volumes but also at strengthening energy security, ensuring stable domestic market supply, and developing industrial infrastructure.
It was noted that extraction of 10 million tonnes of coal is planned for the autumn-winter season of 2025–2026, with the objective of increasing this figure to 11 million tonnes in subsequent seasons. These plans are intended to ensure energy stability during periods of peak demand, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen the country's energy independence.
Alongside increasing production volumes, strengthening the competitive environment in the sector and broadening private sector participation have been identified as priority directions. In particular, the extraction of an additional 2.5 million tonnes of coal with the involvement of private entrepreneurs is planned for 2026, which will contribute to increasing economic activity, diversifying production capacity, and creating new jobs.
The project for the development of the Nishbosh coal deposit in Angren is among the largest strategic initiatives in the sector. The deposit's reserves are estimated at 233 million tonnes; extraction operations are planned to commence in 2026, with the long-term goal of reaching an annual production capacity of 10 million tonnes. The creation of 880 permanent jobs within the framework of this project is of considerable significance from the perspective of regional development, increasing household incomes, and ensuring social stability.
Stable growth trends are also observed in the uranium industry. In 2025, 7,000 tonnes of uranium were produced, and confirmed reserves reached 139,000 tonnes, thereby strengthening the country's strategic resource base. The planned development of new deposits in the current year is an important factor in ensuring long-term energy security and advancing the prospects of nuclear energy. However, the increase in uranium production volumes also makes issues of processing, environmental safety, and compliance with modern technological standards increasingly urgent.
In view of the above, ensuring sustainable development of the coal and uranium industries requires maintaining a balance between economic efficiency, environmental responsibility, and social impact. In addition to increasing production volumes, it is necessary to deepen the processing of raw materials, improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create decent working conditions for the local population.
The consistent fulfilment of these objectives will enable the achievement of planned targets in the coal and uranium industries, the timely implementation of investment projects, and the long-term production sustainability of the sectors. At the same time, the regular evaluation of sectoral reforms using SDG indicators creates a solid foundation for the improvement of national strategies and comparative analysis with international experience.