Uzbekistan has officially become a member of the International Tungsten Industry Association (ITIA) through its Uzbek Technological Metals Plant (UzTMK), according to UzA. This marks a step for the country, making it the first Central Asian nation represented in the global tungsten industry organization.

The ITIA unites leading enterprises involved in tungsten extraction and processing worldwide. By joining, UzTMK expects to gain access to industry insights, market data, and analytics while also participating in international industry events.

UzTMK was established in June 2024 by the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant under the directive of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The enterprise focuses on developing and processing Uzbekistan’s reserves of rare and rare earth metals, including tungsten, lithium, tantalum, niobium, and magnesium.

As part of its strategy, UzTMK is set to implement 34 projects worth $40mn, focusing on scientific research and geological exploration. Farhad Abdullaev, previously the head of Tashkent’s Uchtepa district, has been appointed chairman of the board.

Uzbekistan has been actively expanding its rare earth materials sector, with plans for $500mn worth of projects announced earlier this year. Additionally, President Mirziyoyev has directed a 10-15% reduction in production costs at the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) while increasing localization and industrial cooperation.

At a high-level meeting in March, the president reviewed mineral development projects valued at $2.6bn. These initiatives include the expansion of the Ingichka deposit and the enrichment of tungsten concentrate, which is expected to double its added value.

Founded in 1988, the ITIA conducts tungsten market research, monitors regulations, and coordinates industry studies. The association includes 51 companies from major economies such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, China, and Japan.