The task was set to develop a program of geological exploration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19 May, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of projects aimed at further developing the geological industry, increasing mineral reserves and underground water resources. 

In recent years, as a result of both scientific and technological strengthening of the domestic geological sphere, the scope of geological exploration has expanded, and new deposits have been discovered. Large enterprises are being built on their basis and promising projects are being developed. 

In particular, 27 new uranium deposits have been discovered, and a stable raw material base has been created. However, there are still many untapped opportunities in the field. In this regard, the head of state instructed to increase the extraction of valuable and rare metals. 

At the presentation, the responsible persons presented information about the upcoming work. Thus, 14 projects have been formed for a total of US$182 million. 

The President noted that it is necessary to go beyond these projects and set higher goals.

For this, the task was set to develop a separate program of geological exploration for 2022-2026. The program will provide for an increase in uranium reserves through the development of 8 new deposits and 18 promising areas, the use of modern drilling equipment from abroad, and the creation of a digital geological model.

Instructions were also given regarding the transformation of the Navoiyuran state enterprise, the involvement of foreign specialists and the improvement of technological processes.

The importance of assessing uranium reserves in accordance with international standards, increasing the efficiency of extracting uranium from ore based on the latest technologies was emphasized.

Proposals to develop promising deposits and attract investors to them were also considered. Thus, under the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan, it is planned to create a Yangi Kon project office with an authorized capital of US$$15 million. This project office will implement investment projects for the extraction of lithium, aluminum, magnesium, graphite and other rare metals.

The head of state pointed to the steady increase in the cost of uranium on the world market and stressed the need to pay special attention in new projects to the processing of this raw material and the creation of value-added products.

This requires qualified personnel. To this end, at the initiative of the President, the University of Geological Sciences was organized. The Navoi Mining Institute was given the status of a university. Joint programs have been established with the University of Pisa and St. Petersburg Mining University.

However, the training of mid-level specialists with modern knowledge, a good level of knowledge of information technology and foreign languages is unsatisfactory. In particular, in the system of the State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources alone, more than 300 mid-level specialists are required per year.

The need to expand the geological directions in the technical schools of Zarafshan, Angren and Guzar, and the training of qualified workers was indicated.

Last year, a copper industry cluster was created in our country. According to the relevant program, it is planned to double copper production and produce products worth $8 billion.

The presentation reported on the progress of work in this direction.

As you know, one of the most acute problems in our region is the lack of water. With this in mind, it is necessary to use groundwater wisely. Unfortunately, in recent years the groundwater level has dropped to 5 meters in 13 districts and to 20 meters in 9 districts.

In this regard, responsible organizations were instructed to increase groundwater reserves and organize their rational use.