Zapadno-Ural Machinery Concern (ZUMC, Russia) completed the first mine shaft. The first tonne of ore was also mined from Tyubeganan field. The launch of plant is planned in the mid of 2011.

ZUMC and CITIC International Cooperation Company Ltd. (China) are constructing Dehkanabad potash fertilizer plant. The sides inked agreement with Uzkimyosanot to construction of the plant with the cost of US$99.99 million.

Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan allocated US$61.9 million loan, while China’s Eximbank issued US$41.7 million loan to finance the project. Uzkimyosanoat will also direct its own funds to finance the construction.

The launch of the only such enterprise in Central Asia will allow to create 1,300 new workplaces and help to export 90,000 tonnes of potash fertilizers. According to specialists, demand of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan to potash fertilizers is over 180,000 tonnes a year.

Reserves of sylvinite ores is over 200 million tones. The field has reserves of over 44.5 million tones, which will allow work of the plant for over 30 years. The plant plans to process 700,000 tonnes of raw material a year.