In particular, the company will complete modernization of corporate network of technologic communication and data transfer, construction and equipment of territorial distribution centers in Ferghana Valley, Khorezm and Bukhara regions, as well as Karakalpakstan.

Uzbekkomir will start to modernize and replace old equipment at Shargunkomir this year. The company will continue to support production capacities and update railway network. The company will start to build automated information system of centralized dispatcher control and production management.

From the beginning of 2014, the company will start construction of new coal mine Apartak. The construction will be completed in 2016.

Implementation of the project will help to lift coal industry to new level of development, increase its production potential, ensure uninterrupted supply of coal to enterprises and population.

In June 2013, the programme on modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of coal industry and its balanced development for 2013-2018 was approved.

The programme includes nine projects with total estimated cost of US$555.2 million. The progamme will be financed due to own resources of the Fund on technical re-equipment and modernization of coal industry, own funds of Uzbekkomir and loans of commercial banks.

Implementation of these investment projects will help to expand resource base, ensure safety of mining works, as well as train high quality skills.

About US$438 million will be directed to modernization of capacities of mining enterprises. Over US$334 million will be used to update modernization of Shargunkomir and purchase equipment to the company.

Over 100 million will be directed to rehabilitation of production capacities of Uzbekkomir and reconstruction of transport infrastructure. Besides, it is planned to construct new coal mines and conduct geologic exploration works.

Uzbekistan produced 2.067 million tonnes of coal in the first six months of 2013. Energy sector consumes about 85% of coal produced in Uzbekistan.