President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution “On measures on further increasing efficiency of organization and conducting exploration works” in late August 2010, which envisages this measure.

Earlier, these functions were conducted by the State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources.

In line with the document, NGMK will create Scientific-production center “Geology of precious metals and uranium”. The company was entrusted to create the center by 1 January 2011 and attract high skilled specialists and equip the center with necessary equipment.

The company was also entrusted to develop and introduce in established terms annual programmes on geology exploration works on precious metals and uranium and associated metals to the Economy Ministry and Finance Ministry to agree them.

The resolution also handed over to NGMK such enterprises as Zarmitan hydro geological expedition (HGE), Kyzylkum HGE, Daugyztau HGE, Kokpatas HGE, Zirabulak HGE, and Bukantau HGE.

Part of property of Zarafshan HGE will be handed over to the Center “Geology of precious metals and uranium” of NGMK, while other part will be used to create Central Uzbekistan geology survey and mapping expedition.

The expedition will be specialized on regional surveys and geological mapping, geological re-survey of areas, deep geological mapping. It will also carry out exploration works at Kyzylkum and Nurata mountain areas.

NGMK will receive budget provisions for exploration works. NGMK was also exempted from customs payments, except registration fees, of imported equipment, materials, special transport means, software and technical means, spare parts to them, which are not produced in Uzbekistan.