Uzbekistan wants to double uranium production. Europe is also considering domestic mining

Uzbekistan plans to significantly increase domestic uranium production, doubling it to 15 thousand tonnes in 2030. Its plans are part of a broader trend, with countries across continents once again turning their attention to domestic mining and the security of supplies for nuclear power.

The target was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting on the plans of state-owned companies Navoiyuran and Uzbek Technological Metals Plant. Uzbekistan is preparing to significantly expand production at a time when, according to documents presented to the president, global demand for uranium has risen by 15 to 20 percent in recent years and is expected to increase by a further quarter by 2030.

The planned output would mark a significant increase on current volumes. According to data from the World Nuclear Association, Uzbekistan mined four thousand tonnes of uranium in 2024, making it the world's fifth-largest producer, behind Australia and ahead of Russia. The 2030 target is therefore ambitious not only compared with current production, but also in light of the country's position among today's major producers.