A single service for geological exploration of uranium, precious and non-ferrous metals will be created in Uzbekistan under the State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee, according to a 16 June decree by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The decree says the Scientific and Production Centre “Geology of Precious Metals and Uranium” at the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex and the Scientific and Production Centre “Geology of Non-Ferrous Metals” at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex will be transferred to the new single service for geological exploration within two months. Uzbekistan’s State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee has been instructed to conduct an active investment policy for the industrial development of mineral deposits and develop recommendations for their rational use. Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex is one of the largest gold producers in Central Asia and is a monopoly operator for production, enrichment and export of uranium in Uzbekistan. Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex is one of the main producers of non-ferrous metals in Central Asia and is the only copper producer in Uzbekistan.
