During business trip, Avzal Mirabdullaev, Deputy Director of “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC, held talks with representatives of state-owned company “Mon Atom” and discussed conducting geological exploration at promising uranium deposits in Mongolia by 2026. Specifically, signing of a strategic agreement between Mines of Mining and Geology and organizations of two countries was discussed, as well as the submission of documents to Mongolian licensing authority in accordance with strategic agreement by signing a service agreement between “UZBEK OVERSEAS GEOLOGY COMPANY” LLC and the state-owned company “Monatom”, and preparation of a set of necessary documents for promising uranium deposits, specifically regarding development of geological and environmental projects, preparation of necessary certificates, and information to be provided at upcoming government meeting in April of this year. During the meeting, which will take place in April, the Strategic Agreement and Service Agreement will be signed, and state-owned company “Mon Atom” will develop aforementioned project documents and submit them to organizations responsible for obtaining necessary licenses. At the same time, negotiations are underway to sign contracts with drilling and geophysical companies operating in Mongolia for geological exploration based on expected licenses. This year, relevant licenses are planned to be obtained and geological exploration work to be conducted in areas of Mongolia with promising uranium deposits. According to preliminary design documentation, approximately 60,000 meters of drilling are planned across entire complex at sites allocated during initial phase. Based on preliminary work, potential reserves of these sites will be determined and a detailed exploration program for subsequent stages will be developed.

A new cooperation agreement was signed between Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. As part of this agreement provides for search for hydrocarbon deposits and large-scale geological exploration work in Muhammad-Jandagar, Shamar, and Ahmedabad blocks in Afghanistan. Following multi-stage negotiations, “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” received a license to extract hydrocarbons, iron, and copper in Afghanistan. Today, under the leadership of Mawlawi Nurul Khodi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh Province for Economic Affairs, and with the participation of Omonov Khaitbai, General Director of “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in cooperation with Ministry of Mining and Geology of Republic of Uzbekistan, officially launched hydrocarbon exploration in Muhammad-Jandagar, Shamar, and Ahmadabad blocks. An opening ceremony was held with participation of senior management. This project will take strategic partnership between two countries to a new level, ensure energy security in region, improve investment climate, and create new jobs. The parties expressed their willingness to continue implementing mutually beneficial projects in the fields of geology and mining in the future.

As previously reported, under leadership of Mawlawi Nurul Khodi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh Province for Economic Affairs, and with participation of Khayitbay Omonov, General Director of company, hydrocarbon exploration work was officially launched in Muhammad-Jandahar, Shamar, and Ahmadabad blocks as part of a joint cooperation between Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Mining and Geology of Republic of Uzbekistan. This project aims to take strategic economic partnership between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to a new level and is seen as an important practical step toward ensuring regional stability and energy security. Speaking at opening ceremony, officials emphasized consistent development of principles of mutual trust, good-neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation between two countries. During the event, Balkh regional leadership, representatives of Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, management of “Uzbek Overseas Geology” company, and representatives of Turkish company “Safir Drilling” were briefed on work being carried out at Muhammad-Jandagar investment block, which is considered promising for oil and gas production. 2D seismic exploration is planned for a 600 square kilometer block, using modern geophysical equipment and advanced technologies. Specialists got acquainted with capabilities of specialized equipment, including high-precision seismic and geophysical instruments, and pressed symbolic button to begin exploration work along Profile 1. It was noted that this project will not only increase industrial potential but also create new jobs, develop local infrastructure, and strengthen investment climate.

Within the framework of the Uzbekistan–Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with Zahid Rafiq, Chairman of Board of HRL Group. HRL Group is one of the largest international companies operating in construction, mining, and energy sectors. During the meeting, prospects for joint geological exploration at copper, gold, and other key mineral deposits in Pakistan, leveraging Uzbekistan’s experience, were discussed. Also during these meetings, delegation of Uzbekistan led by Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology held talks with representatives of HRL Group. Following talks, Advisor to Minister of Mining Industry and Geology B.Narmatov and General Director of “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC Kh.Omonov signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at conducting geological exploration between the two countries. This agreement will further strengthen strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in mining and geological sectors.

During the meeting, parties discussed issues of mutual cooperation in implementation of geological prospecting and geological research in foreign countries. At the end of negotiations, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed, which provides for establishment of further cooperation and implementation of joint projects. It is expected that this agreement will take bilateral cooperation to a new level and will contribute to development of international projects in the field of geology.

Another major project is being implemented in Surkhandarya region, aimed at increasing industrial potential, attracting investment, and creating new jobs. In accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 25, 2025, “On measures to implement promising projects aimed at the joint development of mineral resources of Afghanistan” in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, industry and trade and Khokimiyat of Surkhandarya region “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC, received participant status in the Termez Free Economic Zone. Based on this resolution, the company conducted a land survey for the establishment of a branch or subsidiary. Based on the documents submitted and the coordinates provided, 2 hectares of land, with a total area of 2.43 hectares, were put up for public auction. Following the auction, “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC was declared as winner. As a result, a branch of the company was established in Termez, named “UOGC Termiz Branch” LLC, which officially became an active participant in Termez Free economic zone. “UOGC Termiz Branch” LLC has now begun implementing major investment projects in the free economic zone. Specifically, plans include the construction of a modern industrial complex aimed at expanding production capacity for granite slabs. Yesterday, Surkhandarya region governor U.Kosimov, Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Geology B.Narmatov, and management and staff of “Uzbek Overseas Geology Company” LLC visited the Termez Free economic zone and inspected undeveloped areas designated for construction within project. The project’s technical and economic indicators, production capacity and future development prospects were discussed. This project will make a significant contribution not only to the development of regional industry but also to the national economy. Specifically, granite production will increase the volume of import-substituting products, expand export potential, and generate additional foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, creation of new jobs within project will contribute to employment growth. The plant is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2026, which will be an important step towards turning the Surkhandarya region into one of the most important industrial centers of the republic.