Uzbekistan is planning to implement a number of projects for the extraction and processing of rare metals totalling $2.6 billion, the presidential press service announced on Friday. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev examined a presentation on enhancing the raw material foundation of essential minerals for industry and the manufacturing of high-value-added products. Over the next three years, 76 projects involving 28 rare minerals will be carried out at a total cost of $2.6 billion. Further funding will support geological exploration and scientific research to enhance the raw material base. Attribution: Xinhua Subediting: Y.Yasser