Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The final of the GEOMIN AI Labs 2026 hackathon, focused on applying artificial intelligence and Data Science methods to practical challenges in geology, geological exploration and mining, was held in Tashkent on 13 September.
The event was held as part of the GEOMIN 2026 international conference with the support of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). SLB served as the hackathon’s technology partner.
Around 60 students and young specialists from Uzbekistan applied to participate in GEOMIN AI Labs 2026. Following the selection process and evaluation of the solutions developed, 10 participants advanced to the final, where they presented their projects to an expert jury.
During the hackathon, participants tackled four practical challenges using machine learning. These involved identifying promising zinc deposits, predicting gold grades, estimating underground temperatures for geothermal energy, and reducing environmental risks associated with mining activities.
In the final, participants presented the models they had developed, their research findings and potential areas for practical application.
Ziyoda Minavarova of the University of Geological Sciences took first place. Diyora Karimova, representing the Almaty branch of the MISIS University, finished second, while Temirali Sadiqov of the Almalyk State Technical Institute took third place.
The first- and second-place winners received an opportunity to undertake paid internships at SLB and participate in solving practical industry challenges using Data Science, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The three prize winners also received tickets to the GEOMIN 2026 international conference, while all finalists received commemorative gifts.
The organisers said GEOMIN AI Labs 2026 brought together young specialists, industry representatives, academics and government organisations on one platform, demonstrating the potential for practical applications of artificial intelligence in geology and the mining industry.
