Inspection for control in the field of mining industry and geology under the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan

A press conference featuring officials from the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology was held at the Content Preparation Center under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event provided a comprehensive overview of sector reforms, mineral base expansion, and the implementation of modern exploration technologies.

Driven by recent systematic measures, the geological exploration coverage of Uzbekistan’s territory increased from 20% to 45%. The explored area expanded from 89,000 to 200,000 square kilometers, with coverage in mountainous and foothill regions rising from 36% to 62%. Consequently, 185 prospective areas and more than 50 new mineral deposits were identified.

These initiatives closely align with the targets set forth in the "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy. The strategy aims to expand regional geological studies and boost gold production by 1.5 times, silver by 3 times, copper by 3.5 times, and uranium, iron, and coal production by 3 times. Under the State Mineral Resource Base Development Program, exploration was conducted across 289 projects in 2025, confirming reserves for 33 new deposits. In 2026, exploration efforts are actively progressing across 275 projects.

Technological modernization and digitalization remain top priorities. To date, 36,000 geological reports from the State Geological Fund have been digitized, and 1:200,000 scale digital geological and hydrogeological maps of the country have been developed. Additionally, 7 state services in subsoil use have been fully digitized. Modern tools, including artificial intelligence, advanced geophysics, remote sensing, and 3D modeling, are now widely integrated into field operations.

Foreign direct investment in the sector continues to grow significantly. Between 2017 and 2025, $7.8 billion in foreign investment was directed toward mineral exploration and development projects. Currently, 60 projects are underway, with confirmed reserves and active development initiated across more than ten prospective sites. Furthermore, 120 projects valued at $4.2 billion are scheduled for implementation in the critical minerals sector between 2026 and 2030.

Systemic transformations in geology and mining reinforce the nation's raw material independence and industrial capacity. The integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence minimizes geological risks while dramatically improving exploration accuracy and operational efficiency.

In-country deep processing of discovered mineral resources into high-value-added products serves as a critical driver for strengthening national economic stability, expanding export potential, and generating specialized jobs.