REGNUM news agency quotes its sources in the Uzbek State Property Committee as saying that the government resolved to postpone privatization of the Almalyk Mining and Smelting in the Tashkent region until 2007.

According to the source, the government decided that the 46.5% stock initially meant for the sale to a foreign investor would remain in the hands of the state (upping its share from 51% to 97.5%). "Stock of the Almalyk Mining and Smelting is not to be sold for the time being in accordance with the 2005-2006 privatization program. The state considers it important to retain control over some strategic enterprises," the source said.

It was already reported that Alpha-Eco of Russia aimed to become manager of the state interest in the enterprise. The decision on that score has not been made yet.

The Almalyk Mining and Smelting has the license to develop copper-molybdenum and lead-zinc ore mines in the Tashkent region. It produces copper (cathodes), metallic zinc, lead concentrate, and other products. In fact, the enterprise produces nearly 90% of the republican output of silver and 20% of gold.