Demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, semiconductors and renewable energy systems is increasing globally as Uzbekistan expands mining and processing projects across several industrial regions. Institutional changes and critical minerals policyIn 2024, Uzbekistan established the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex, tasked with coordinating critical mineral development from exploration to processing. He also noted that the list of critical minerals is expected to expand. But by 2030, the list of critical minerals will expand to around 12 additional elements.” Zinc production and environmental aspectsAt the Almalyk zinc production facility, operations include waste gas treatment and by-product recovery.