Uzbek mining industry – interview with Jamshid Shakirov, MIN Sales Director at Metso  

The Finnish company Metso is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Central Asia, and a gala dinner will be held tonight, 30th October, in Tashkent to mark the occasion. The event is attended by local authorities and senior management representatives from leading mining companies. EPSE’s CEO Jouni Jääskeläinen is also attending, as he has been invited as part of the delegation of the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb. We had the opportunity to interview Mr. Jamshid Shakirov, Mining Sales Director from FE “Metso” LLC from Central Asia, regarding the mining industry and its development and opportunities, as well as Metso’s position in Uzbekistan.  

Plenty of resources and promising prospects 

We asked Mr. Shakirov how the mining industry has changed during his extensive career and how he sees its future. At the beginning of his career, the industry’s focus was mainly on production volumes, often at the expense of efficiency or environmental considerations. Over the years, the industry has shifted towards greater efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability. Automation, energy efficiency, and water management are now key priorities, and there is also much more international cooperation, and foreign technology suppliers are actively involved in modernization. According to Shakirov, Uzbekistan is one of the richest countries in Central Asia in terms of natural resources, with significant deposits of gold, copper, uranium, and rare earth metals. The market is growing thanks to government reforms, new investments, and the modernization of existing facilities. Shakirov sees the future as very promising—the increase in international partnerships, the introduction of innovative technologies, and sustainable development will accelerate the next phase of growth.  

The industry has shifted towards greater efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability. Automation, energy efficiency, and water management are now key priorities, and there is also much more international cooperation, and foreign technology suppliers are actively involved in modernization.

Metso’s success in Uzbekistan 

According to Shakirov, Metso’s success in Uzbekistan comes from a combination of advanced technologies, local presence, and strong partnerships with mining companies. Metso’s equipment is known for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, which are highly valued in Uzbekistan’s growing mining industry. At the same time, Metso has built trust through long-term cooperation, training of local specialists, and adapting our global expertise to the needs of the Uzbek market. 

Opportunities also for smaller players like EPSE 

There are good opportunities for specialized service providers in the Uzbek mining industry. Water treatment, tailings management, and waste recycling are increasingly important areas – ones of which EPSE is also providing solutions for. Large companies such as Metso can offer comprehensive equipment and process solutions, while smaller companies can offer niche expertise and flexibility. This creates room for cooperation and innovation in the market. However, there are challenges to overcome. According to Shakirov, the most important challenges are outdated infrastructure, limited access to the latest technologies, and the need for skilled personnel. Financing and clarifying the regulatory framework can also be difficult. Environmental concerns, such as efficient water use and tailings management, are increasingly important issues. Addressing these challenges is critical for the sustainable growth of industry, and within these topics EPSE also sees vast opportunities in the Central Asia region.  

 

 

This article was written by

Anni Honkonen
EHSQ Manager
anni.honkonen(a)epse.fi

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