Mirziyoyev Highlights Achievements and Ambitions of Uzbekistan’s Geology Sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended congratulations to workers in Uzbekistan’s geological sector on the occasion of their professional holiday. In his address, he expressed gratitude for their dedication under challenging natural conditions and reviewed the industry’s significant development in recent years.

According to the president, geologists have identified more than 2,500 deposits and over 3,000 prospective sites, collectively estimated at $3 trillion. Between 2016 and 2025, over 1,900 new deposits were discovered. Confirmed uranium reserves increased from 97,000 to 140,000 tonnes, with 16 new uranium sites identified.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that over the past decade, 8.2 trillion soums from the state budget were allocated to sector development. This funding enabled the introduction of approximately 2,000 units of new equipment and technology, while 70% of exploration equipment was modernized. The adoption of airborne geophysical methods using helicopters and drones, the launch of a modern seismic complex with 3D measurements, and the capability to study subsurface layers up to 9 kilometers deep mark a new phase for the industry.

To boost investment appeal, international standards are being implemented, tax rates reduced, and deposits of gold, silver, copper, uranium, and hydrocarbons are being made available to foreign investors. Through online auctions, 1,458 mineral objects have already been sold, generating over 1 trillion soums for the state budget and creating around 100,000 jobs. Currently, 90 projects totaling $30.7 billion are being implemented in partnership with leading international companies.

The president also noted the launch of a new copper processing plant in Almalyk with a capacity of 60 million tonnes of ore per year. The project created over 6,000 high-paying jobs, and the plant is expected to generate approximately $5 billion in annual revenue.

Under the “Uzbekistan — 2030” Strategy, the industry has set quantitative targets: gold production is planned to increase by 1.5 times, silver and copper by 3 and 3.5 times respectively, and uranium, iron, and coal output is set to triple. Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the expertise and professionalism of geologists will allow these objectives to be achieved.