Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - In Uzbekistan, in recent years, there have been great changes in the field of geology. In particular, new deposits were discovered, the University of Geological Sciences was established, modern equipment is being purchased and innovative methods are being introduced. In this case, geology is understood not only as mineral deposits, but also raw materials used in construction. In fact, the field of study of this industry is unusually wide.

As you know, over the past period, the republic has implemented a number of comprehensive measures to improve the efficiency and protection of subsoil use, ensure the rational use of mineral resources, as well as create conditions for organizing modern industrial production in the regions.

Over the past 3 years, 3.5 trillion soums have been allocated to the industry. As a result, in 2019, mineral reserves increased: gold - by 89.7 tons, silver - 174.1 tons, uranium - 5 thousand tons, copper - 39 thousand tons, lead - 22 thousand tons, zinc - 24, 5 thousand tons, tungsten - 3.5 thousand tons, coal - 203.8 thousand tons, basalt - 490.2 thousand tons, quartz raw materials - 6811.7 thousand tons and groundwater - 91.2 thousand tons. cub. m / day.

In 2020, as a result of geological work, the resource base expanded and new promising areas were identified. In particular, the reserves of minerals increased: gold - by 51 tons, silver - 345 tons, uranium - 3 thousand tons, copper - 200 thousand tons, lead - 29.2 thousand tons, zinc - 26.7 thousand tons, coal - 15 thousand tons, tungsten - 8.2 thousand tons, basalt - 270 thousand tons, quartz raw materials - 389.5 thousand tons. Forecast resources also increased: gold - by 155 tons, silver - 158.3 tons, uranium - 11.3 thousand tons, copper - 485 thousand tons, tungsten - 6.6. thousand tons, lead - 43 thousand tons, zinc - 70.5 thousand tons, rare metals - 4.7 thousand tons, nickel and cobalt - 12 thousand tons, and hydrocarbons - 55 million tons.

The state program for 2021 provides for exploration work on 350 projects, an increase in reserves for 16 types of minerals and predicted resources for 10 types.

In particular, as a result, it is planned to increase the reserves of gold - by 20 tons, silver - 345 tons, uranium - 3.5 thousand tons, copper - 240 thousand tons, tungsten - 240 thousand tons, lead - 42 thousand tons, zinc - 41 thousand tons. It is planned to increase the forecast resources of gold - by 175 tons, silver - 175 tons, uranium - 12 thousand tons, copper - 445 thousand tons, lead - 54 thousand tons, zinc - 58 thousand tons, tungsten - 8 thousand tons, rare metals and rare earth elements - 3 thousand tons, hydrocarbons - 55 million tons and others.

For the implementation of the State Program for 2021, it is planned to allocate 1.32 trillion soums, including 1.12 trillion soums - for geological exploration and 185.6 billion soums - for the purchase of equipment, 14.7 billion soums - for other expenses.