Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan intends to increase coal production to 10 million tons by 2025. This was announced during a presentation to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev about plans to increase coal production.

In light of the growing needs of the population and the economy, all areas of energy are actively developing. Coal, in particular, is an optimal energy source for various industries. It is estimated that our country has coal reserves of almost 2 billion tons.

These reserves are gradually being developed, and the volume of its production is consistently increasing. For example, if in 2016 this figure was less than 4 million tons per year, then by 2023 it increased to 6.55 million tons.

Earlier, the head of state emphasized the need to attract investors to the fields and implement new projects. As a result, last year there were significant shifts in this process, and entrepreneurs produced 369 thousand tons of coal.

The presentation also provided information about planned work in the industry. This year it is planned to increase the volume of coal production to 8 million tons, of which 900 thousand tons will be mined by entrepreneurs. Shargunkumir joint-stock company will launch a coal enrichment plant with a capacity of 500 thousand tons per year.

In Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions, geological research is underway in four areas, and production is planned to begin at them next year.

In addition, using advanced foreign experience, work on assessing and drilling coal seams continues. It is planned to increase coal production to 10 million tons by 2025.

Responsible persons received instructions on introducing international standards in the industry, improving the quality of coal and accelerating investment projects.