At the beginning of the meeting, the deputy minister informed about the beginning of cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union on creation of a chain of processing of critical minerals, reforms of recent years in Mining Industry and Geology, positive changes, simplification of legislative norms, adoption of the law ‘On Subsoil’ in a new version.  

It was noted that geological exploration works on deposits of lithium, copper, graphite, tantalum, niobium and magnesium are being completed. In particular, the work on estimation of reserves according to international JORC standards, analytical studies in international certified laboratories, metal testing, development of rational technological regulations and project documentation (FS).

It was emphasised that cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union in the field of critical minerals is of strategic importance.

The EU ambassador and representatives of the delegation supported the proposal to work out a roadmap for further actions and discuss joint projects.