Uzbekistan has inaugurated a new copper processing plant at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, which will significantly increase copper production capacity. The facility aims to boost annual ore processing to 60 million tonnes and produce up to 900,000 tonnes of copper concentrate. This project, valued at $2.7 billion, is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic processing and reduce reliance on raw material exports. The government anticipates a rise in demand for copper due to its importance in renewable energy and infrastructure.