President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the national geological system modernization, mineral production, and rare earth deep processing projects Monday, the presidential press service said.
Reportedly, it is possible to identify deposits even in hard-to-reach areas using AI and modern geophysical methods. To this end, special attention will be paid to expanding provincial geological exploration projects.
A presentation was made to the president of a project to set up an Excellence Center in partnership with a number of foreign partners, including one of the leading research centers in the field of mining – the Colorado School of Mines (USA). The Center will combine research and applied activities focused on digitalization and the introduction of innovative solutions in geological exploration.
Among the key tasks of the new center are:
- application of AI in interpretation of geodata;
- development of aero- and cosmogeological research methods;
- digital analysis of geochemical information and accelerated identification of promising deposits;
- training of personnel and development of scientific competencies in cooperation with international partners.
The Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov, in an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, said that the center would revise the curricula in universities. Young specialists will have the opportunity to train at the Colorado School of Mines.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev the proposals and gave directives to expedite establishing international cooperation, introducing innovative approaches, and developing new promising areas.
The Minister Bobir Islamov said that, at the president's directive, the volume of geological exploration work would be stepped up, especially in promising areas. According to him, this will allow for the identification of new deposits and an increase in the production capacity of gold and non-ferrous metals. In September, John Bradford, Vice President of the Colorado School of Mines, reported after a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that Uzbekistan has "very large and not yet fully explored mineral reserves." "We hope to contribute to the training of young professionals who will explore these resources and use them effectively for the benefit of your country," he concluded.
