In the modern political understanding, Central Asia is Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. There are other definitions, in particular - according to UNESCO - the region includes Mongolia, Western China, Punjab, northern India and northern Pakistan, northeastern Iran, Afghanistan, areas of Asian Russia south of the taiga zone and five former Soviet republics of Central Asia. We will use the narrower first interpretation of the region and consider the situation in the economies of these post-Soviet Asian republics. To some extent, the socio-economic situation, mentality and cultural background in these countries can be called similar.
The Central Asian region occupies a modest share in the world economy - about 0.3%. With a share of the population in the world population of about 1%, the economy in terms of GDP lags behind by about 3 times.
The new economic role of this region is determined by the presence of a number of factors:
- the region has many valuable resources, primarily large reserves of hydrocarbons;
- located in the center of the Eurasian continent, the region plays an important role in maintaining the security and stability of a part of the continent,
- and also due to the presence of a wide transport and communication network, the countries of the region use their full potential as transit states.
For the world economy, the Central Asian region is interesting, first of all, as a source of raw materials. Oil, gas, coal and metals are currently the most sought-after exported commodities, in turn, the products of the agricultural sector also provide dynamic growth.
According to confirmed data, the total volume of oil reserves in the countries of Central Asia reaches 15-31 billion barrels, and the total volume of natural gas reserves is 230-360 trillion. cubic meters, which is 7.2% of the world's oil resources and 7% of gas resources. The region ranks 10th in the world in terms of coal production, and 19th in terms of electricity generation. It has large reserves of ferrous, non-ferrous and rare metals; in terms of total gold production (Uzbekistan - 90 tons, Kyrgyzstan - 24, Kazakhstan - 18.9) it ranks 9th.
The states of Central Asia have powerful mining, fuel and energy, metallurgical and chemical industries, concentrated mainly in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
In terms of oil production, Kazakhstan occupies the first place (80 million tons); 2nd - Turkmenistan (6 million tons) and 3rd - Uzbekistan (5 million tons). Turkmenistan is rich in natural gas deposits, which ranks second in the CIS after Russia in terms of reserves. Coal deposits are available in all republics, with the exception of Turkmenistan.
The electric power industry in the countries of Central Asia is relatively well developed. Kazakhstan generates up to 90 billion kWh; Uzbekistan 52-54 billion kWh.
Metallurgy is unevenly developed. Kazakhstan stands out, smelting up to 2.0 million tons of steel per year, and Uzbekistan (0.6 million tons). Polymetallic products are diverse: lead, zinc, copper, chromium (Kazakhstan); lead, zinc, copper, gold, silver, etc. (Uzbekistan).
The chemical industry is concentrated on the production of mineral fertilizers. The exception is Kyrgyzstan, where the chemical industry has not been developed.
Mechanical engineering is developing rapidly. It is concentrated in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where cars, trucks and buses are produced.
Light and food industries are developed everywhere to one degree or another.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Central Asia. The leading place belongs to agriculture. The main areas of irrigated land are in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, which are specialized in the production of industrial crops and mainly cotton. In turn, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan specialize in the production of grain crops. Grain growing is also developed in Uzbekistan.
In animal husbandry, sheep breeding occupies a leading position. To a greater extent, this applies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Cattle rearing is typical of suburban areas and densely populated oases.
For the last 3 years, the volume of GDP in US dollars has been falling for the leader of the region of Kazakhstan. This is due both to the depreciation of the national currency and problems in the economy of the republic. The second largest economy - Uzbekistan - on the contrary, is growing steadily.
If you look at GDP growth, you can see that Kazakhstan has the smallest volumes of growth, which is associated with the large volumes of this country, while small economies can achieve high growth more easily due to the “low base”.
If you look at GDP per capita, you can also see that the leaders are exporters Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Although Uzbekistan is also an oil exporter, its GDP per capita is lower due to both lower production and a larger population.
The inflation rate in the region is at a fairly high level. On average, by 6-7% in the period under review. It is also necessary to note the volatility of price dynamics. So in 2016 there was a sharp jump in prices upwards in Kazakhstan and in the same period a fall in prices in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The leader in terms of foreign trade is Kazakhstan. Although in 2014-2016 there was a decline in this indicator due to the depreciation of the national currency against the dollar and the fall in prices for the main export commodity of Kazakhstan - oil. In second place in terms of foreign trade are quite industrialized Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. At the same time, this indicator is the most stable in Uzbekistan (about 25 billion US dollars). The smallest volumes of foreign trade are observed in countries with less developed industry and economy in the region: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
KAZAKHSTAN. Kazakhstan is the undoubted leader among other Central Asian countries in terms of development and economic power. In 2016, in terms of GDP, Kazakhstan ranked 56th among 191 countries. More than half of the total GDP of the Central Asian region falls on Kazakhstan. At the same time, the dynamics of GDP growth is lower than in other countries of the region due to a higher comparison base.
The Republic of Kazakhstan has significant deposits of mineral and energy resources - out of 110 elements of the periodic table, 99 have been identified in the bowels of the country, 70 have been explored, more than 60 are used, including 8% of the world's iron ore reserves and about 25% of uranium. The country has one of the most powerful oil and gas potentials in the Caspian zone - Kazakhstan accounts for about 3% of the world's oil reserves and 1.2% of natural gas, and the country continues to increase production and export of energy resources. Kazakhstan is also one of the main producers of wheat in the region.
UZBEKISTAN. Uzbekistan also has a significant natural and industrial potential based on reserves of natural gas (7.8 trillion m3), oil (1 million tons), copper, uranium, phosphorites, rare earth and precious metals. The republic holds the fourth place in the world in terms of gold reserves, and seventh in terms of its production.
Uzbekistan is one of the three leading countries in the world in the production and export of cotton, in addition, gold, uranium ore, mineral fertilizers, natural gas, textile and food industry products, metals, and cars are also exported. The amount of exports in 2010 amounted to more than 13 billion dollars, imports (mainly industrial products) - 8.8 billion dollars.
One of the main items of foreign exchange earnings in the economy of Uzbekistan is a powerful mineral resource base. In the city of Asaka, there is a large GM Uzbekistan plant for the production of cars under licenses from Daewoo and Chevrolet, in addition, the only aircraft building plant in Central Asia was opened in the country.
Among the current development priorities of Uzbekistan are ensuring sustainable and balanced growth rates, structuring and modernizing the economy, technical and technological renewal of its most important industries, further liberalization of tax policy; creation of maximum favorable conditions for private business and a consistent reduction in the presence of the state in the economy; attraction of foreign investments; expanding the scale of reforms in the banking and financial system and in public utilities. The focus is on the fuel and energy and gas and petrochemical complexes, energy, gold mining and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and textile industries, information and communication technologies.
TURKMENISTAN. Turkmenistan has an abundance of oil, gas, sulfur and potash. The main industries of Turkmenistan include the refining and processing of oil and natural gas; production of glass, fabrics (mainly cotton) and clothing; food industry.
Turkmenistan actively encourages interested foreign companies to participate in the development of gas fields on the shelf of the Caspian Sea - the current gas production rates in the republic should triple by 2030. In this regard, one of the most important events in Turkmenistan is the annual International Gas Congresses, demonstrating continuation by the current leadership of Turkmenistan of the course to reduce the level of foreign policy and foreign economic isolation of the country, which took place during the presidency of Saparmurat Niyazov.
This small country ranks 4th in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, having the second largest gas field (Southern Iolotan). There are also rich oil reserves. In addition to oil and gas, Turkmenistan has significant reserves of sulfur, iodine, bromine, mirabilite, lead, various raw materials for the construction and finishing industry.
The basis of the economy of Turkmenistan at present is the fuel and energy complex, which includes oil and gas production, as well as oil refining industries, it is they who bring the main foreign exchange earnings and form the basis of external trade.
According to various estimates (OPEC, the independent American agency EIA, the British oil giant BP), Turkmenistan produces about 200-260 thousand barrels of oil (28-36 thousand tons) daily and about 70 billion cubic meters of gas annually, being in terms of production at 11th place in the world.
Turkmenistan's plans for the further development of this industry are grandiose. Thus, according to the program for the development of the oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan for the period up to 2030, it is planned to increase oil production to 110 million tons by 2030, and natural gas to 250 billion cubic meters. meters per year.
To achieve these goals, the government of Turkmenistan is taking measures to attract foreign investment to this sector of the national economy. There is no official information about the exact amount of foreign investment in the country's economy. According to some media reports, the amount of foreign investment in the oil and gas industry in 2014 amounted to about 10 billion US dollars and continues to grow. It is quite possible that this is true, since Turkmenistan is indeed increasing the volume of oil and gas production from year to year.
Due to the fact that cotton growing is widespread in Turkmenistan, the textile industry is developed. There are enterprises of the chemical and metallurgical industries on the territory of the country, and the Caspian shipbuilding is also developing.
The agricultural sector of the economy is also developed in Turkmenistan. The leading agricultural sector is cotton growing, grain growing is also highly developed - the production of wheat and rice. There are farms engaged in horticulture, melon growing, and vegetable growing. Animal husbandry is represented mainly by horse breeding (Turkmenistan is the birthplace of the Akhal-Teke horses), sheep breeding and camel breeding, the production of cattle is less developed.
KYRGYZSTAN. The economy of the republic consists mainly of industry, the agricultural sector of the service sector, and less than half of the able-bodied population is employed in the service sector. In 2011, the volume of remittances from migrants amounted to 29% of the country's GDP. These are the dominant sectors providing employment and economic growth in the country.
The industry is represented by the energy and mining industries. In the 1990s, the republic experienced deindustrialization and a large decline even by Central Asian standards: Kyrgyzstan's GDP in 1990-2001 decreased by 10.35 times (in neighboring Uzbekistan during the same period by 3.45 times).
A significant part of agricultural products is exported. An important source of income for Kyrgyzstan is tourism.
Kyrgyzstan has huge reserves of antimony, mercury, lead, zinc and other precious metals, as well as significant hydropower resources.
TAJIKISTAN. The economy of Tajikistan is focused on agriculture, the country is rich in mineral resources (coal). In the structure of Tajikistan's exports, about 80% is occupied by raw materials and materials: aluminum, cotton, prepared food products, precious and semi-precious metals and stones. Tajikistan has inexhaustible reserves of hydro resources, and also concentrated more than 55% of all water resources in the region.
During the years of independence, the structure of employment has changed significantly, the industrialization of the economy has taken place. Achieving the status of the country as an industrial-agrarian country will be ensured by the implementation of the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030. Since 2000, there has been a steady economic growth of 5-7%. For the development of the economy, the government opened 4 SEZs and they are functioning well today. FEZ subjects are given a number of economic privileges. They are exempt from taxes and customs duties. All administrative barriers for the development of the SEZ have been removed. In 1991 - 2013, the share of employment in agriculture decreased from 36% to 19%, while the share of employment in industry increased from 21% to 51%, in construction it decreased from 8% to 3%, in the service sector from 35% to 27% .
The Tajik economy is vulnerable to external shocks due to a narrow export structure and high import dependence. High level of labor migration. A fairly large proportion of the rural population lives in poverty.
The most significant sector of the Tajik economy is agriculture, which accounted for more than a quarter of GDP in 2015. Next (in descending order by contribution to GDP) are: industry, trade, transport, communications, services, construction and other industries.
Cotton is the main agricultural crop in Tajikistan; up to ninety percent of the harvested raw materials are exported. Tajikistan also grows cereals, vegetables, fruits, tobacco, potatoes, cattle breeding is developed.
The country has large reserves of silver, gold, iron, lead, antimony, coal, salt, precious stones, oil, and gas. Explored deposits provide raw materials for such industries as chemical, mining, metallurgical, machine-building.
The electric power industry is a very well-developed and promising industry, Tajikistan is a major exporter of electricity, and the country ranks eighth in the world in terms of hydropower reserves.
But still the largest and most significant industry is the light industry. There are many enterprises in Tajikistan that process agricultural raw materials: cotton, silk, as well as carpet weaving, clothing and knitting factories.
The main foreign trade partners of Tajikistan are Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey. The CIS partner countries account for almost half of the total foreign trade turnover.
Just like in many other countries of the former USSR, labor migration is very common in Tajikistan. The bulk of labor migrants, and there are more than half a million of them in the country, are working in the Russian Federation. The money they transfer through remittances is a significant part of GDP.
Despite the fact that Tajikistan is a poor state, analysts give a very successful forecast for the further development of its economy. The main thing that can favorably affect the rate of economic growth is the integration of Tajikistan into the global economy. One of the ways of such integration is its entry into the Customs Union. In addition, analysts give favorable forecasts for the rise in prices for aluminum and cotton, which are the main export items in Tajikistan, which will bring additional revenues to the budget.
The natural resources of the plains of Central Asia are diverse. Of the combustible minerals, Jurassic coal was found in Dzhanak and brown coal in Mangyshlak and in the Alakul region; oil and gas in Mangyshlak, in Bukhara and in the Ili depression, oil in the Cheleken peninsula, in Nebit-Dag and Kum-Dag, ozokerite in Cheleken. Of the deposits of ore minerals, manganese is becoming known in Mangyshlak (Aitkoksh), oolitic iron ore in the Northern Prearalie. Asbestos, graphite and copper were found on the territory of the Paleozoic uplands of the Kyzyl Kum. In the Lowland Karakum, sulfur has been mined for many years in the Sulfur Hillocks, located 250 km north of Ashgabat; gas reserves have been explored in recent years. The richest reserves of self-planting salts are found in the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay on the Caspian Sea (mirabilite), in the Karagie tectonic basin (magnesian salts), in the Aralsk region (astrakhanite) and the Aral Sea region (sodium sulfate). Gypsum and table salt are everywhere unlimited.
The plains of Central Asia are rich in light and warmth. In the Lowland Karakum, heat resources for the period with temperatures over 10°C exceed 5000C, in the Kyzyl Kum - about 4000°C; in the deserts of the Aral Sea region, the Southern Balkhash region and in the Muyunkums - 3000-3500 ° С. With such heat resources, in the presence of water, subtropical plants such as fine-staple cotton, sesame, peanuts, the world-famous Chardzhui melons, and high-sugar table grapes are successfully grown in the southern deserts. Over the past decades, new crops for those places have been mastered on the plains of Central Asia: southern hemp, kenaf, jute, sugar beets. Southern fruit growing is successfully developing.
The plains of Central Asia are poor in surface watercourses, except for transit rivers, the sources of which are located in mountainous areas. Measures for the collection and storage of temporary runoff water, including the construction of underground rainwater collectors, are of great economic importance.
The underground waters of the plains are concentrated in the vast Artevian basins explored by Soviet hydrogeologists in recent decades. Among the basins, the Aral group (Turgai, Syr-Darya and Karakum) of artesian basins is distinguished. Within the Tien Shan folded region are the Chui and Iliisk basins, in the Dzungar region - a group of artesian basins of the Balkhash region. In all basins there are pressure (self-flowing) or semi-pressure waters of different flow rates and variegated mineralization - from fresh to salty inclusive. Part of groundwater is used for drinking needs of the population and animal husbandry. For this purpose, many shaft and artesian wells have been built in the deserts in the past decade.
The deepest groundwater was found on the Badkhyz and Karabil plateaus. Here, dug wells for watering livestock reach a depth of 200-260 m. Upon reaching the Karakum, groundwater rises closer to the surface (15-40 m and closer) and becomes noticeably saline. The eastern regions of the Zaunguz Karakum are relatively well supplied with water, and the western regions of the Low Karakum are poorly watered. In the Kyzylkums, as well as in the Aral Sea, Muyunkums and Southern Balkhash, everywhere in the sands there is fresh groundwater, the flow rate of which is mostly small, but the total reserves of fresh and slightly brackish groundwater in the Muyunkums and in the sandy massifs of the Southern Balkhash are large. On the piedmont plains, groundwater often wedges out, forming numerous "karas" - small streams and rivers used by the population for irrigation and watering. The abundance of "Karasu" can be observed on the piedmont plains of the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz, Trans-Ili and Dzhungar ranges, in the Ferghana Valley.
The development of solar technology makes it possible to obtain fresh water from brackish and saline groundwater. The plant resources of the plains are of great economic importance in connection with the intensive development of animal husbandry, in particular astrakhan breeding and fine-wool sheep breeding. Pastures are the dominant type of economic land in the deserts and semi-deserts of Central Asia. The fodder value of desert-tree and sagebrush associations is the greatest. Deserts with a predominance of desert-tree associations, which, along with saxaul, kandyms and other trees, contain many ephemeroids and ephemera, are mostly used as year-round pastures. The average productivity of fodder mass is 0.8-1.9 q/ha. Deserts with wormwood dominating vegetation are considered the best autumn-winter pastures. Their average fodder productivity is 1.3-2.7 q/ha. In the tugai, horses and cattle are most often pastured. Hay is harvested in reed and sedge bogs.
The most valuable forage are psammophytic shrub and saltwort communities.
In the fuel balance of the republics of Central Asia, a prominent place belongs to the wood of saxaul sparse forests. Of the total area of 20.5 million hectares of desert forests and thickets of Central Asia, 19.8 million hectares fall to the share of saxaul forests. The stock of timber in this area is about 35 million liters * 1 .
The bonitet of saxaul stands is closely related to the level of groundwater and the type of soil: the best saxaul stands develop on sandy and light loamy soils with groundwater at a depth of 3-8 m.
For the decade 1947-1967. Saxaul and desert shrubs were sown on an area of about 97 million hectares.
Large areas of land have been developed for agriculture in the largest irrigated oases: Fergana, Khorezm, Tashkent Zeravshan, Murgab, Tedzhen, Gol with one steppe, Chuisky, Talas, Semirechensk. The total irrigated land in the Central Asian republics, excluding Tajikistan, is 6.8 million hectares. In the future, it is possible to irrigate about 15 million hectares in the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan (BD Korzhavin, 1962).
During the Soviet period, the Aral, Repetek and Dzhezkazgan experimental stations did a great deal of work on studying the methods of developing deserts and fixing sands. They developed a series of effective methods for the oasis transformation of deserts: new methods of rain-fed and irrigated farming and foraging, developed a trench method for growing vegetables, potatoes and fruits in the sands, scientifically substantiated and put into production effective methods for fixing sands and their afforestation. All these methods make it possible to more rationally use the natural resources of the deserts of Central Asia.
The work of zoologists and physicians on the elimination of Asian locust nests, a sharp decrease in the incidence of malaria, and the development of methods for combating ticks and other vectors of serious diseases in humans and animals are of inestimable importance.
On the plains of Central Asia, fur and other animal industries are of some importance. Commercial species of animals that occupy a prominent place in the national economy of the plains include ground squirrels, jerboas, muskrats, acclimatized in Balkhash (Ili river delta) since 1935, goitered gazelles and saigas, the shooting of which is limited by the nature protection law. Wild boars are shot in the tugai and a lot of waterfowl are hunted - ducks, coots, geese, cormorants, less - pheasants.
The protection and expanded reproduction of natural resources are the most important state and public activities. The regulation of cattle grazing on the sands and the hunting of animals, as well as the rational use of water resources, require close attention.
Farming, especially rural, will depend on the natural conditions of the territory. And the conditions of Asia are distinguished by great diversity and contrasts. The highest mountain ranges with steep slopes coexist with lowlands and the monotony of their flat relief. Large contrasts are also characteristic of the climate, especially for moisture. The low-lying areas are well supplied with moisture, because they are located in the monsoon climate - these are the eastern and southern parts of the region.
The western part of Foreign Asia lies in the region of the Mediterranean climate. $90\%$ of all arable land is concentrated in these parts of Asia. The central and southwestern parts are arid. The Asian part of the world lies in several climatic zones. The south of the territory lies in tropical latitudes and receives $2$ times more total solar radiation than the northern regions. Summer and winter temperatures on the islands of Indonesia are almost the same, the average January temperature is +$25$ degrees, and the north of Manchuria, for example, has a January temperature of -$24$, -$28$ degrees. Yes, the cold weather is long there. Significant climatic differences are also characteristic of mountainous regions and even within the mountainous territories themselves. This is due to the height of the mountains, their position, the exposure of the slopes. The circulation of the atmosphere has a very pronounced effect on the climate of East and South Asia, where the seasonal change of air masses is clearly expressed.
Ready-made works on a similar topic
- Coursework 440 rubles.
- abstract Natural conditions and resources of Foreign Asia 270 rub.
- Test Natural conditions and resources of Foreign Asia 230 rub.
Winters in these areas are characterized by the winter monsoon, while the summer monsoon operates in summer. All of East Asia, Hindustan and Indochina are in the monsoon circulation zone, where annual precipitation can reach $2000$ mm per year. Associated with the winter monsoon are cold continental air masses that cause cooling in East Asia and partly in the tropics of Northern Indochina.
In the southern part of Asia, winter cooling does not occur, because the territory is under the influence of the Indian monsoon, which has smaller baric gradients. On the other hand, India is closed in the north by the highest mountain ranges from the cold air masses of Central Asia. The interior regions of Asia, located at high altitudes and surrounded by mountains, have a sharply continental climate.
In winter, the Asian anticyclone dominates here and a severe and long winter sets in. At low temperatures, the soil freezes deeply, which leads to the formation of permafrost areas. In summer, the territory warms up well and an area of low atmospheric pressure is formed. The weather is hot and dry. Precipitation is very small, high mountain ranges prevent their penetration. In closed basins, only up to $50$ mm falls out. But even this inland region has its own internal climatic differences. The reason for this lies in the different availability of thermal resources and thermal regime.
An exceptionally hot region is Southwest Asia. It receives the largest amount of solar radiation, therefore it is the driest part of the mainland. Deserts and semi-deserts are common here.
Remark 1
For the development of agriculture, a significant part of Asia Abroad has unfavorable climatic conditions. The equatorial regions are highly humid, while the vast plateaus and plains of Southwestern and Central Asia are too dry. Agriculture in these areas is possible only with land reclamation.
The location of agricultural production, the composition of cultivated plants, the peculiarities of farming methods, and the productivity of crops largely depend on climatic conditions. The level of agricultural development in the countries of Foreign Asia is relatively low, so the yield is highly dependent on weather conditions. Based on climatic features, several agro-climatic regions are distinguished in foreign Asia.
Mineral resources of Foreign Asia
The surface of Foreign Asia is represented by vast mountainous territories and lowlands, the areas of which are small. Low-lying areas are located on the outskirts of Asia - these are the eastern and southern coasts. Mineral deposits are associated with the relief and with the main tectonic regions, with which the bowels of Foreign Asia are rich. In terms of reserves of fuel and energy raw materials, Asia occupies a leading position in the world.
These are, first of all, huge deposits of coal, oil and gas. The bowels of this part of the world contain world reserves of tin, antimony, mercury, graphite, sulfur, muscovite, zirconium, phosphate raw materials, potassium salts, chromites, tungsten. True, from a geographical point of view, these resources are distributed unevenly. Coal, iron and manganese ores, non-metallic minerals were formed within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. There is a copper belt along the Pacific coast. In the Alpine-Himalayan folded region, ores are predominant.
A decisive role in the international geographical division of labor in Asia is played by oil and gas reserves, which are the main wealth of the region. The main hydrocarbon deposits are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Large oil fields have been discovered in the countries of the Malay Archipelago - Indonesia, Malaysia. There is oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Dead Sea is known for its large salt reserves, and the Iranian Highlands for sulfur and non-ferrous metals.
Of all Asian countries, the greatest diversity and reserves of minerals are concentrated on the territory of the following states:
- India;
- Indonesia;
- Iran;
- Kazakhstan;
- Turkey;
- Saudi Arabia.
Remark 2
Those mineral deposits that are well known today do not reflect the true picture of the richness of the subsoil of this region. The ongoing prospecting works open up new deposits of mineral raw materials. In terms of hydrocarbon production, offshore zones are becoming promising, which provide the extractive industry with new opportunities.
Different subregions of Asia have their own set of minerals.
Western Asia. Here, first of all, the largest oil and gas fields are concentrated, in terms of reserves of which Western Asia is a leader among other regions of the world. According to $1980 data, there are $43 billion tons of oil in this area and more than $20 trillion. cube m of gas. Coal reserves are more than $23 billion tons. The reserves of ferrous metal ores amount to $14 billion tons and they are located on the territory of Turkey and Iraq. Reserves of titanium ores in Saudi Arabia and chromium ores in Turkey and Iran, Afghanistan and Oman. Non-metallic building materials are represented by gypsum, the reserves of which amount to $3 billion tons. In some countries of the region there are deposits of precious and ornamental stones, for example, Iranian turquoise, Afghan lapis lazuli, ruby, emerald, rock crystal, aquamarine, marble onyx.
South Asia. She holds a leading position in the reserves of muscovite, barite, titanium, pyrite, beryl, graphite, iron, manganese ores. This part also has significant reserves of oil and gas, as well as gold, copper, nickel, and tungsten ores. The most important energy raw material for South Asia is hard coal, whose reserves are estimated at $115 billion tons. The total iron ore reserves are over $13.5 billion tons. They are concentrated in India, Pakistan. There are small reserves in Sri Lanka and Nepal. The extraction of manganese ores has long been going on in India. There are aluminum and nickel ores in this region. Here is about $30\%$ of the total reserves of mining and chemical raw materials - India, Pakistan, Nepal. Non-metallic raw materials are represented by Indian asbestos - India, gypsum - Pakistan, graphite - Sri Lanka. There are quartz, building sands, dolomites, limestone and marble. Precious stones are only in India - diamonds.
Southeast Asia. In terms of tin reserves, the region ranks $1 in the world and has significant reserves of nickel, cobalt, tungsten, copper, antimony, and barite. In addition, there are oil, gas, bauxites, chromites and other mineral resources. Exploration for hydrocarbons is being carried out on the continental shelf. Of the $36$ promising basins, $25$ belong to Indonesia. Hard coals are also found in Indonesia and Vietnam. Ore minerals, the reserves of which amount to more than $1271 million tons, are found in Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kampuchea. Of the ores of non-ferrous metals, aluminum and copper ores are known - Indonesia, Vietnam, Kampuchea.
Other types of resources of Foreign Asia
Foreign Asia is rich in its superficial waters, but water resources are unevenly distributed over the territory, and the availability decreases from the southeast to the northwest. Water resources are used, usually for irrigation, which helps to solve the problems associated with drought, soil salinization and wind blowing. In India, for example, $95\%$ of fresh water consumed goes to irrigation. Mountain rivers contain colossal reserves of hydropower, which is best provided in the humid tropics. Due to the economic backwardness of the mountainous regions, the hydro potential of the rivers is poorly used. For example, the hydro potential of the rivers of India and Pakistan is used by about $10\%$. Large Asian rivers have basins covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. They are among the most important types of natural resources.
Another type of resource is soil. The huge size, diverse relief and climate were the conditions for the formation of a complex soil cover. Podzolic, sulfur and brown forest soils have formed in the temperate climate zone. In the steppe regions - chernozem-like and chestnut soils. In the subtropics of the Mediterranean, brown soils are dominant, and in the monsoon regions, yellow and red soils. Peculiar tropical soils - regura or black soils formed on the Hindustan peninsula.
If speak about forest resources, foreign Asia is not rich in them. There is only $0.3$ ha of forest resources per capita, and the average world level is $1.2$ ha per person. Low availability of forest resources is typical for India, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Singapore. The south-east of the region is best provided with forest resources. Here, the areas of forest resources are not only large, but also accessible, which threatens their existence.
recreational the resources of the region began to be studied and used only in the second half of the $XX$ century. Attractive for tourists are the warm seas of Southwest Asia - Turkey and Southeast Asia - Thailand, Malaysia.
The video lesson is devoted to the topic "Natural resources of foreign Asia". From the lesson, you will learn about the natural resource potential of Foreign Asia, get acquainted with the main resources that are rich in various parts of Asia. The teacher will tell you about the Asian leading countries in terms of the provision of various types of resources.
Theme: Overseas Asia
Lesson: Natural resources of foreign Asia
The provision of foreign Asia with resources is determined, first of all, by the variety of relief, location, nature and climate.
The area is extremely homogeneous in terms of tectonic structure and topography: within its boundaries, the greatest amplitude of heights on earth (more than 9000 m) is noted, both ancient Precambrian platforms and areas of young Cenozoic folding, grandiose mountainous countries and vast plains are located here. As a result, the mineral resources of foreign Asia are very diverse.
The main pools of coal, iron and manganese ores, and non-metallic minerals are concentrated within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. Within the Alpine-Himalayan and Pacific fold belts, ores predominate, including a copper belt along the Pacific coast. But the main wealth of the region, which also determines its role in the international geographical division of labor, is oil and gas. Oil and gas reserves have been explored in most countries of Southwest Asia (Mesopotamian trough of the earth's crust). The main deposits are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, large oil and gas fields have been explored in the countries of the Malay Archipelago. Indonesia and Malaysia stand out especially in terms of reserves. The countries of Central Asia are also rich in oil and gas (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).
The largest salt reserves are in the Dead Sea. There are large reserves of sulfur and non-ferrous metals in the Iranian Highlands. In general, Asia is one of the main regions of the world in terms of mineral reserves.
Countries with the largest reserves and diversity of minerals:
3. Indonesia.
5. Kazakhstan.
6. Turkey.
7. Saudi Arabia.
The agro-climatic resources of Asia are heterogeneous. Vast massifs of mountainous countries, deserts and semi-deserts are hardly suitable for economic activity, with the exception of animal husbandry; the provision of arable land is low and continues to decline (as the population grows and soil erosion increases). But on the plains of the east and south, quite favorable conditions for agriculture are created. Asia contains 70% of the world's irrigated land.
The countries of East and Southeast Asia, as well as some regions of South Asia, have the largest reserves of water resources. At the same time, water resources are sorely lacking in the countries of the Persian Gulf.
Rice. 2. Desalination plant in Israel ()
In terms of general indicators, China, India, and Indonesia are provided with soil resources to the greatest extent.
The largest reserves of forest resources: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India.
Rice. 3. Rainforests in Malaysia ()
Homework
Topic 7, Item 1
1. What are the features of the placement of mineral resources in foreign Asia?
2. Give examples of foreign Asian countries and their characteristic resources.
Bibliography
Main
1. Geography. A basic level of. 10-11 cells: Textbook for educational institutions / A.P. Kuznetsov, E.V. Kim. - 3rd ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, 2012. - 367 p.
2. Economic and social geography of the world: Proc. for 10 cells. educational institutions / V.P. Maksakovskiy. - 13th ed. - M .: Education, JSC "Moscow textbooks", 2005. - 400 p.
3. Atlas with a set of contour maps for grade 10. Economic and social geography of the world. - Omsk: Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Omsk Cartographic Factory", 2012. - 76 p.
Additional
1. Economic and social geography of Russia: Textbook for universities / Ed. prof. A.T. Khrushchev. - M.: Bustard, 2001. - 672 p.: ill., cart.: tsv. incl.
Encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books and statistical collections
1. Geography: a guide for high school students and university applicants. - 2nd ed., corrected. and dorab. - M.: AST-PRESS SCHOOL, 2008. - 656 p.
Literature for preparing for the GIA and the Unified State Examination
1. Thematic control in geography. Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.M. Ambartsumova. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2009. - 80 p.
2. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Astrel, 2010. - 221 p.
3. The optimal bank of tasks for preparing students. Unified State Exam 2012. Geography: Textbook / Comp. EM. Ambartsumova, S.E. Dyukov. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2012. - 256 p.
4. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2010. - 223 p.
5. Geography. Diagnostic work in the format of the Unified State Examination 2011. - M .: MTSNMO, 2011. - 72 p.
6. USE 2010. Geography. Collection of tasks / Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 272 p.
7. Tests in geography: Grade 10: to the textbook by V.P. Maksakovskiy “Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.V. Baranchikov. - 2nd ed., stereotype. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2009. - 94 p.
8. Study guide for geography. Tests and practical tasks in geography / I.A. Rodionov. - M.: Moscow Lyceum, 1996. - 48 p.
9. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2009. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2009. - 250 p.
10. Unified state exam 2009. Geography. Universal materials for the preparation of students / FIPI - M .: Intellect-Center, 2009. - 240 p.
11. Geography. Answers on questions. Oral exam, theory and practice / V.P. Bondarev. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2003. - 160 p.
12. USE 2010. Geography: thematic training tasks / O.V. Chicherina, Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 144 p.
13. USE 2012. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2011. - 288 p.
14. USE 2011. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2010. - 280 p.
Materials on the Internet
1. Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements ( ).
2. Federal portal Russian Education ().
Natural resource potential of the countries of Central Asia (official data of the republics and data of international organizations)
Introduction
The natural resource potential of a territory (NRP) is the totality of its natural resources that can be used in economic activities, taking into account scientific and technological progress 1 . The natural resource potential (natural resources) is diverse. It includes energy, land and soil, water, forest, biological (flora and fauna), mineral (minerals), climatic and recreational resources.
Thus, when we talk about the natural resource potential of a territory, we mean the natural resources that this territory possesses. When evaluating the ERP, it is customary to start with those resources, the reserves of which are especially large and are of great importance for the economy of a country, region or world. Usually, mineral resources are first characterized, then other types: land, water, forest, etc.
The natural resource potential does not determine the role of the state in the international arena, the degree of its influence on political processes in the world or the welfare of the nation. There are many examples where states relatively poor in natural resources have achieved world leadership, and vice versa. At the same time, the availability of natural resources is an important factor determining, among other things, the ability of the state to defend its independence and interests, and enhances its power in the negotiation processes. Also, the presence of a resource base determines the attractiveness of one country for another (as a rule, a strong world power). Therefore, the study of the availability of natural resources in the Central Asian region is relevant today. This paper will characterize the natural wealth of the countries of the region on the basis of national data and assessments of international organizations, as well as analyze the natural resource potential of Central Asia as a whole.
- Natural resource potential of the countries of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan has a variety of minerals. According to the EconRus country geography catalog, Kazakhstan ranks sixth in the world in terms of natural resources, according to some scientists, the explored mineral resources of Kazakhstan are estimated at about 10 trillion US dollars 2 . According to official sources, out of 110 elements of the periodic table, 99 elements have been identified in the bowels of Kazakhstan, reserves of 70 have been explored, and more than 60 elements have been involved in production. It is noted that 493 deposits containing 1225 types of mineral raw materials are currently known 3 .
According to the results of the geological and economic assessment of the available mineral reserves of Kazakhstan, coal, oil, copper, iron, lead, zinc, chromites, gold, manganese 4 have the greatest weight in terms of economic importance.
Official sources report that Kazakhstan ranks first in the world in terms of tungsten reserves, second in chromium and phosphorus ore reserves, fourth in lead and molybdenum, and eighth in total iron ore reserves (16.6 billion tons). Kazakhstan has about 8% of the world's iron ore reserves and about 25% of the world's uranium reserves 5 . However, according to American sources, we are talking about about 5.5% of the world's ore reserves ( see Table 1).
Table 1
Proved reserves of iron ore, in million metric tons.
| The country | Iron ore reserves | Reserve base of iron ore | Reserves in terms of iron | Reserve base in terms of iron |
| USA | 6900 | 15000 | 2100 | 4600 |
| Australia | 16000 | 45000 | 10000 | 28000 |
| Brazil | 16000 | 33000 | 8900 | 17000 |
| China | 21000 | 46000 | 7000 | 15000 |
| Kazakhstan | 8300 | 19000 | 3300 | 7400 |
| Russia | 25000 | 56000 | 14000 | 31000 |
| Ukraine | 30000 | 68000 | 9000 | 20000 |
| World at large | 150000 | 350000 | 73000 | 160000 |
According to the above information, Kazakhstan is in 7th place in terms of iron ore reserves.
For uranium, international organizations give figures from 12% to 15% (see Table 2).
Table 2.
| Uranium reserves in 2007 (tons) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
According to information from various organizations, Kazakhstan ranks second in the world in terms of uranium reserves, therefore, despite significant discrepancies between official sources and data from international organizations, one can speak of strategically important reserves of this resource.
Kazakhstan has significant reserves of oil and gas, concentrated in the western region, which make it possible to classify the republic as one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world. The discovery of a new oil-bearing region within the South Turgai depression expands the prospects for further development of the republic's oil production. Proved oil reserves, according to international sources, amount to 30 billion barrels, according to this indicator, the country ranks 11th in the world (See Appendix 1). Today, 14 promising basins are known in Kazakhstan, located almost throughout its entire territory, where only 160 oil and gas fields have been explored so far, but not all of these fields, not to mention entire basins, are being exploited.
Gas reserves in the country amount to 2,407 trillion. m 3, which puts it in 15th place in the world and 2nd among the countries of Central Asia (See Appendix 2). And the republic's own needs are still only at the level of 18-20 million tons of oil and 500 thousand tons of lubricating oils per year, 16-18 billion cubic meters of gas 6 .
The raw material base of the gold mining industry in Kazakhstan is represented mainly by small (with reserves up to 25 tons) and medium (from 25 to 100 tons) deposits, which currently produce about 70% of all gold produced in the republic. The leading position is occupied by deposits of Eastern, Northern and Central Kazakhstan. Gold reserves in the whole country are estimated at about 800 tons, while the average metal content in the ore is 6.3 g/t (for the developed deposits, this figure is on average 9 g/t). As of today, the state balance sheet of Kazakhstan includes 237 gold objects, including primary (122), complex (81) and alluvial (34) deposits. The gold ore deposits of Kazakhstan are characterized by a low metal content in the ore, as well as the presence of a significant proportion of refractory ores. At the same time, the comparatively favorable mining and technical conditions of extraction make it possible to maintain its cost at the level of the world average 7 . Gold reserves in Kazakhstan are less than in Uzbekistan, for example, some sources do not even include the country in the ranking of countries with significant deposits of the metal ( see appendix 3), rising prices on the world market, as well as the ambitious plans of the government, which is ready to invest heavily in the development of gold mining in the country, may increase the role of Kazakhstan in the world gold market.
In terms of coal reserves, according to Russian sources, Kazakhstan is in 7th place in the world. According to the Mineral Center, coal reserves in Kazakhstan amount to 127.5 billion tons, of which more than 32 billion tons are confirmed.
Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is located in the southwest of Central Asia. Its territory is 488.1 thousand square meters. km. Turkmenistan occupies a favorable geographical position. The country is a "bridge" between Europe, the European states of the CIS, the central part of Russia, on the one hand, and the vast regions of Central and South Asia, on the other hand. On land, Turkmenistan borders on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran, has access to the Caspian Sea.
Turkmenistan is rich in various minerals. The country has large reserves of mercury, sulfur, ozocerite, and, which is important for the arid desert climate, sources of fresh drinking and mineral healing water. In terms of industrial reserves of ozocerite, Turkmenistan ranked second in the USSR after Ukraine. The Republic also has all known types of mineral salt deposits. Turkmenistan has the richest reserves of mineral building raw materials: cement and building materials (gypsum, anhydrides, clays and loess-like loams, building limestone, igneous rocks, facing materials, ornamental stones, and others). Turkmenistan is also known for other natural resources that are in great demand on the world market.
A factor of strategic importance, capable of determining the historical fate of Turkmenistan, is the presence in the republic of large reserves of oil and gas. According to the geological development of the sedimentary complex, the conditions of oil and gas accumulation and the prospects for oil and gas potential, the territory is divided into seven oil and gas regions: West Turkmen, Central Karakum, Beurdeshik-Khiva, Chardzhouskaya, Zaunguzskaya, Murgabskaya, Badkhyz-Karabilskaya 8 . In terms of explored gas reserves, Turkmenistan occupied the 2nd place even in such a major fuel and energy power, which was the USSR. And at present, in terms of explored gas reserves, Turkmenistan ranks 4th in the world, in terms of oil reserves - 44th 9 (see Appendix 1, 2). Explored gold reserves allow the republic to create its own gold reserves 10 .
Turkmenistan has large reserves of native sulfur, iodine, bromine, common and potassium salts, sodium sulfate, magnesium salts, and ozocerite. Native sulfur occupies an important place among chemical raw materials. Two deposits are known on the territory of the republic - Darvaza and Sernozavodsk, where sulfur was mined from 1930 to 1961. At present, sulfur extraction has been stopped due to a very high cost 11 .
Bromine reserves in Turkmenistan, according to US official sources, are about 700,000 metric tons, which is only less than those of the US and Spain 12 . It is not possible to give an unambiguous position in the world due to the fact that for some countries - large producers there are no data on proven reserves.
Iodine reserves in the country amount to 350 thousand metric tons, proven reserves - 170 thousand metric tons. In terms of iodine reserves, Turkmenistan lags behind only the United States, Chile and Japan, ranking 4th in the world 13 .
There are significant resources of potassium salts in the area of Gaurdak. The reserves of the world's largest deposit of natural salts of the marine type in the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay are exceptionally large. Mirabilite and other valuable chemical compounds are mined here. Deposits of silver, gold, lead, copper, and zinc have been explored 14 .
Kyrgyzstan.
On the territory of Kyrgyzstan there are significant deposits of gold and rare metals. In addition, Kyrgyzstan has fairly large reserves of coal, oil, natural gas, bismuth, zinc, mercury, uranium, tin, tungsten, antimony (especially high quality raw materials), lead, and nepheline syenites. Of particular importance for the economy of Kyrgyzstan is the large hydropower potential 15 . The total estimated value of mineral reserves in the republic is $900 billion 16 .
To date, there are 199 fully explored deposits with 37 types of minerals on the state balance (see Table 3)
Table 3
Mineral deposits on the state balance.
| Type of mineral | Number of deposits | Type of mineral | Number of deposits |
| Oil | 11 | Beryllium | 1 |
| Gas | 11 | Fluorite | 4 |
| Coal | 49 | Gypsum | 9 |
| Gold Ore | 24 | Rock salt | 8 |
| alluvial gold | 24 | Facing stone | 11 |
| Silver | 12 | Ceramic raw materials | 2 |
| Mercury | 4 | wollastonite | 1 |
| Antimony | 7 | bentonite clay | 1 |
| Tin | 2 | mica | 1 |
| Tungsten | 2 | Sulfur pyrite | 1 |
| Copper | 7 | Clay | 65 |
| Lead | 3 | Gravel | 86 |
| Zinc | 2 | Limestone | 8 |
| Rare earth metals | 1 | building stone | 25 |
| Molybdenum | 1 | Sand | 6 |
| Bismuth | 3 | Expanded clay and aglopyrite | 6 |
| Arseniy | 2 | Basalt | 2 |
| Cobalt | 1 | potter's clay | 1 |
During World War II, the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic (as it was then called) supplied 15-18% of the total production of lead in the Soviet Union, as well as mercury and antimony. In the post-war years, new mining enterprises were opened, producing uranium, rare earth metals, gold, molybdenum, and gas and oil production was also started. In the late 1980s, the Kadamzhai plant in Batken oblast ranked third in the world in antimony production, and the Khaidarkan mining plant in western Osh oblast also ranked third in the world in mercury production 18 . Today, according to the US, Kyrgyzstan ranks 4th in the world in terms of mercury reserves (reserves 7,500 mt, reserve base - 13,000 mt, which is approximately 5.4% of the global indicators) 19 . Molybdenum reserves are 100 thousand mt, the reserve base is 180 thousand mt. (less than 1% global) 20 .
The production of gas and oil remains insignificant, and since 1990 there has been a decline in their production, but the search for hydrocarbons intensified around 2002, which was mainly carried out in the Ferghana and Naryn valleys. The Kyrgyz Republic has significant coal deposits. According to UNDP sources and official authorities, there are 70 coal deposits in the country, reserves are estimated at 4.665 billion tons 21 . Russian sources give the volume of reserves in the amount of about 1 billion tons. The rapid rise in commodity prices, including coal, over the past 3 years has led to a recovery of interest in the extractive industry from the private sector, although the profitability of mine recovery or expansion remains uncertain 22 .
Oil and gas reserves in Kyrgyzstan are not large, especially in comparison with the reserves of its neighbors - Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In terms of oil reserves, Kyrgyzstan is on the penultimate place, in terms of gas - in last place among the Central Asian countries ( see Appendix 1,2).
About 25,000 gold-bearing deposits have been discovered in the country, the total gold reserves in them are 2,500-3,000 tons, of which 560 tons have been explored reserves 23 .
Since 1991, of all the ore deposits in Kyrgyzstan, only one object has been launched - Kumtor - a zone of special attention of the government. There are even separate columns in the annual economic reports for the republic: "Export with Kumtor" - "Export without Kumtor", "GDP with Kumtor" - "GDP without Kumtor" 24 . Gold prices continue to hold positions in international markets. Compared to 2000, the cost of one ounce of the precious metal has grown 4.5 times and today is about $1140. Moreover, the international market shows a steady upward trend. And this means that Kyrgyzstan has a great chance to bet on the development of the industry associated with the extraction of gold at medium and small deposits, which could give no less amount of the precious metal already mined.
The total volume of fresh groundwater in the country is 16,260,800 m 3 /day (188 m 3 /sec), which creates unlimited opportunities for increasing the production and export of fresh and environmentally friendly water 25 .
Tajikistan
The natural resources of Tajikistan are very diverse. According to the State Committee for Investments and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan, many deposits of polychemical, rare and noble metals have been discovered on the territory of the republic: zinc, lead, molybdenum, tungsten, copper, gold, silver, antimony, mercury, fluorspar, tin, uranium , bismuth, iron, manganese, salt, magnesium and others of export importance. There are deposits of coal, gas, oil, marble, building materials. In terms of coal reserves, Tajikistan occupies a leading position in Central Asia. The total geological reserves are about 4.0 billion tons. 80% of coal is classified as coking 26 . At the same time, Russian sources on the total reserves of hard and brown coal in Tajikistan give a figure of 410 million tons, for the countries of Central Asia this is the lowest figure, and only Turkmenistan lags behind the republic in terms of explored coal reserves.
In general, about 400 mineral deposits have been explored, more than 70 of which are being exploited 27 . The well-known deposits of Tajikistan include the gold ore deposits of Penjikent and Shugnan, the silver deposit Bolshoy Kanimansur, the antimony deposits - Anzob, the marble deposits in Vanch, Penjikent, Darvoz, Shakhristan and others.
The main metallogenic potential of gold in the republic is concentrated in the promising areas of Northern and Central Tajikistan and the Southern Pamirs. The explored reserves are concentrated in the gold-quartz deposits of Djilau - Tarorskaya and Turkestan-Chorinskaya ore zones of Central Tajikistan, as well as gold-quartz and gold-sulfide objects of Karamazar. In total, more than 150 objects of ore gold have been identified in the republic, most of which are poorly explored.
The most significant gold deposit Taror is located 44 km from the city of Penjikent. Mineralization at the deposit is localized in the zone of skarning and silicification developed at the contact of granitoids with limestones. The zone has the form of a layer-like deposit. The main minerals in the ore are gold, silver, copper, by-products - bismuth, selenium, tellurium. A harmful impurity is arsenic 28 .
In the north of Tajikistan, in the Sughd region, there is one of the world's largest silver deposits - Big Konimansur. The reserves of the deposit are about 1 billion tons of ore with a silver content of 49 g per 1 ton, lead - 0.49% per 1 ton and zinc - 0.38% per 1 ton. The total silver reserves of Bolshoy Konimansur exceed 50,000 tons 29 .
The Republic of Tajikistan occupies a leading position in the Central Asian region in terms of reserves of lead-zinc ores, according to official sources of the Main Department of Geology under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. At the same time, no other source confirms the existence of significant reserves of polymetallic ores in Tajikistan. The leader in the region is Kazakhstan, which is one of the 8 countries that account for about 65% of the world's proven reserves of lead 30 and 50% of zinc production in the CIS 31 . Commercial reserves of mineralization are located in skarns confined mainly to secant contacts of granitoid dikes in carbonate deposits, as well as to a large extent in stockworks and hydrothermal veins in propylitized Upper Paleozoic volcanic rocks of the Central Karamazar. Significant prospects for polymetals are associated with the southern framing of the Fergana depression, where large stratiform deposits are expected in the Devonian terrigenous-carbonate deposits. More than 90% of the explored reserves of these metals are concentrated in the Karamazar ore region. Suffice it to say that more than one billion tons of lead-zinc ores have been explored at the Bolshoi Konimansur and Altyntopkan ore fields alone, most of which can be mined in an open pit. In addition to lead, zinc, silver, bismuth, and cadmium, these ores contain a number of other valuable associated components in extractable quantities.
Antimony. In terms of proven reserves of antimony, Tajikistan ranks third (after China and Thailand) in Asia and first among the CIS countries 33 . Stocks, according to official US sources, are 50,000 meters. t., reserve base - 150,000 meters. T-34 .
Aluminum reserves in Tajikistan amount to 515 thousand meters. t 35 .
In terms of hydropower resources, Tajikistan ranks second after the Russian Federation among the CIS countries and eighth in the world.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has a unique natural resource potential. Favorable agro-climatic conditions, significant mineral resources largely determine the strategy of the country's economic development.
There are more than 2,800 deposits and promising manifestations of minerals in the republic, about 100 types of mineral raw materials, of which 65 are used in industry and agriculture. More than 900 deposits have been explored, in which proven reserves are estimated at $970 billion 36 . USA. The total mineral resource potential is estimated at 3-3.5 trillion. US dollars 37 .
Currently, more than 1,800 deposits and about 1,000 promising manifestations of minerals of 118 types of mineral raw materials have been identified, of which 65 are being developed. More than 1500 fields have been explored, including 188 oil, gas and condensate fields; 48 - noble metals, 43 - non-ferrous, rare and radioactive metals, 5 - ferrous metals; 3 - coal; 37 - mining, 22 - mining and chemical and 30 - semiprecious raw materials; 525 - building materials for various purposes and 357 - fresh and mineral groundwater. More than 40% of explored deposits are involved in mining 38 .
As reported in most of both national and international sources, the republic ranks fourth or fifth in the world in terms of gold reserves. However, official US data speaks of the 9th position in the world ranking ( see Appendix 4). According to them, the reserves are 1700 mt. According to other sources, the reserves are about 5,230 tons 39 . Of the explored and prepared reserves, less than 20% have been worked out, which suggests a great potential for increasing gold mining and production.
Uzbekistan has significant reserves of precious and rare metals (silver, uranium, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, tungsten, lithium, etc.). According to official data, the republic occupies 10-11th place in the world in terms of copper reserves, and 7-8th place in the world in terms of uranium reserves 40 . Some international organizations put Uzbekistan in 11-12th place in terms of uranium reserves ( see Table 2). Molybdenum reserves are estimated at 60,000 mt, the reserve base - at 150,000 41 .
On the territory of the republic, silver reserves are recorded at 26 deposits, 80.4% of the reserves are in complex and gold deposits - Kalmakyr and Dalnee, Uchkulach, Khandiza, Kochbulak, Kyzylalmasai, Muruntau. Actually silver deposits are Vysokovoltnoye, Kosmanachi, Okzhetpes 42 .
About 60% of the republic's territory is promising for oil and gas production. In terms of the reserves of these main hydrocarbons, Uzbekistan is in 3rd place in Central Asia (after Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) and 45th and 19th in the world, respectively. (see Appendix 1, 2). In terms of coal reserves, Uzbekistan ranks second in Central Asia after Kazakhstan (See Appendix 4).
The republic has significant resources of non-metallic minerals. This group (over 70 species) is mainly made up of mining, chemical and glass-ceramic raw materials, deposits of agricultural ores, building materials, sorbents and abrasives. These include phosphorite deposits with total reserves of up to 122 million tons of phosphoric anhydride and predicted resources - 100 million tons; graphite, potassium salts (Tyubetanskoye deposit, explored reserves are 686 million tons); rock salt reserves (Khojaikan, Tyubegatan, Baibichekan - in southern Uzbekistan and Barsakelmes, Akkala - in the Republic of Karakalpakstan) are estimated at 90 billion tons 43 . 20 deposits of marble, 15 deposits of granite and gabbro 44 have been discovered in the republic.
A significant potential of hydropower resources is concentrated in the republic. Uzbekistan accounts for 14% of the potential and technically possible to use the hydropower resources of Central Asia, of which 21% are actually used 45
etc.................
