RIA Novosti reported that financing of the project was opened and general construction works have been started. Production of technologic equipment was started and will be supplied in April-May.

In June 2012, China’s CITIC Ltd signed contract with Uzkimyosanoati to design and supply equipment for increasing capacity of Kungrad Soda Plant twice up to 200,000 tonnes a year.

The project will be implemented within two years. Uzkimyosanoat’s division carries out general construction works.

China’s Eximbank issued loan for US$77 million, Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan – US$14.4 million and own funds of Uzkimyosanoat.

Kungrad Soda Plant is only enterprise on production of soda ash in Central Asia. The enterprise was commissioned in August 2006 by China’s Citic Pacific Ltd. and Uzkimyosanoat. Total project cost was US$250million. The project capacity of the enterprise is 100,000 tonnes of ash soda a year. The main raw material for construction of soda ash is sodium chloride (salt) and limestone.

All main raw materials for production are produced in Uzbekistan. The sodium chloride is mined at Barsakelmes deposit, located 53km away from Kungrad Soda Plant and limestone at Jamansay limestone deposit, developed at 250 km away from the plant. According to geologists, the approved reserves of these raw materials can satisfy demand of the plant for over 100 years.