(English) Geology: Digitalization and Prospects for Development

 

     The field of geology, as an integral part of the country’s economy, plays a crucial role not only in the exploration of mineral resources but also in delivering them to industry in a ready-to-use form. Today, geological exploration serves as a solid foundation for Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic development, energy and industrial security, as well as for the establishment of new production sectors.

 

     The main task of the geological sector is to identify, evaluate, and prepare for industrial mining the reserves of minerals in the earth’s crust, such as gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, lithium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others.
     In this regard, “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC, established in 2021 as the largest geological exploration company in our country, is operating in several key directions.
     Geological exploration work in our country is carried out in four stages: regional study, prospecting, evaluation, and exploration. These stages are interconnected, and each step is crucial for in-depth study of the geological structure of the earth’s crust and the identification of promising deposits.
     Currently, large-scale mineral deposits are being searched for in a significant part of the republic’s territory, especially in areas with Paleozoic-era formations. At the moment, research focused on gold and copper is being carried out in cooperation with the state budget and major industrial enterprises – Navoi MMC and Almalyk MMC.

 

 

     In recent years, the process of introducing digital technologies in the sector has been accelerating. Specifically, primary geological data related to exploration work is collected via Geobank and Geobank Mobile software and managed based on a centralized electronic database.
     This approach has ensured data security, enabled quick access to the data, and allowed for the preparation of reports that meet the requirements of international codes like JORC and CRIRSCO.
     The use of aerogeophysical technologies, cosmogeological imaging, 3D-modeling, and geostatistical analysis in exploration work makes it possible to efficiently study large areas in a short time.
     The most important aspect of the new exploration strategy is the digitalization of information and the creation of an electronic map database. To achieve this, new maps at scales of 1:200,000, 1:100,000, and 1:50,000 are being prepared. A “Single Digitalized Cartographic Data Bank” has been established.
     This process drastically increases the capabilities for storing, updating, and analyzing geological data, multiplying the effectiveness of mineral deposit prediction. Large-scale geological studies help not only to examine known deposits in depth but also to study the region’s geological structure. This enables understanding the patterns of mineral formation, complex evaluation of prospective areas, discovery of new mineralized zones and veins, and resource prediction.
     In the coming years, Uzbekistan’s geology is expected to develop not only based on new discoveries but also on innovative exploration technologies compliant with global standards. This is crucial for expanding the country’s mineral resource base, strengthening strategic resource reserves, and creating a solid foundation for economic development.

 

 

     Uzbekistan is a country rich in natural resources. Over the centuries, gold, copper, gas, and a number of other minerals have been discovered in this land, becoming key resources for the nation’s industry and economy. Today, the geological sector is entering a new stage. “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC faces new tasks, new technologies, and large prospective areas.
     In recent years, many mineral deposits exposed on the surface have already been studied and brought into production. Therefore, the main focus of geological exploration work is now shifting towards studying hidden parts and deep horizons beneath the surface. Integrated studies – geophysical, geochemical, and cosmogeological methods – are being widely used. Resources of strategic importance – gold, non-ferrous and rare metals, and non-metallic minerals – are given priority.
     These directions are important not only from an economic perspective but also for strategic independence.
     Several regions of Uzbekistan have great potential for future discoveries. For example:
     ● Karakalpakstan and the Ustyurt Plateau for hydrocarbons;
     ● Kyzylkum region is prospective for gold and uranium deposits;
     ● Fergana Valley is important for oil and gas resources;
     ● Mountainous regions of Tashkent and Jizzakh regions for gold, non-ferrous, and rare metal exploration;
     ● Desert regions of Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions are important in terms of hydrocarbons and groundwater.

 

 

     There are also a number of issues in the sector awaiting resolution. For instance, the hidden parts and deep horizons of the earth’s crust are not sufficiently studied, so there is a great need for additional exploration. There is a demand for the wide involvement of modern, advanced technologies in exploration work.
     The geological exploration sector is of strategic importance to the economy of Uzbekistan today, as it not only expands the resource base but is also a decisive factor in shaping the country’s overall investment climate. Data transparency, adherence to international standards, and the development of scientific and technical capabilities further increase the attractiveness of the sector. Furthermore, by comprehensively addressing the issues of personnel and technology, Uzbekistan can become one of the leading countries in the geological field not only in the region but also globally in the coming years.

 

 

     “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC has also introduced an independent program for controlling the movement of geological samples. This information system allows for the registration of geological samples sent for laboratory analysis, tracking their movement, determining their current location, automatically generating reports by crushing plants and laboratories, and providing results in electronic form. This solution increases the transparency of the production process, eliminates the loss or delay of samples, and establishes full monitoring over the process.
     All geological data in the database are coded and directly transferred to modern geological software such as Datamine, Micromine, and Leapfrog. As a result, processes like block modeling, 3D geological modeling, geostatistical analysis, and identification of mineralized zones are performed quickly and accurately.
     Using geological information systems, specialists from the Digital Geology Department process data obtained from the GEOBANK system into a 3D visual representation of the morphological structure of ore bodies and their location in the earth’s crust.
     Block models of ore bodies are constructed using geological information systems, and their reserves are calculated in accordance with the requirements of the State Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Mineral Reserves and the standards of the JORC Code, the international reporting standard for mineral resources and ore reserves.
     Reserves are calculated based on the JORC Code, and a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) report is developed.
     Within the framework of the state programs for the development and replenishment of the mineral resource base of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a technical-economic justification was developed to determine the permanent cut-off grades in the final report and reserve calculation based on the results of geological exploration work carried out as part of the project for the evaluation of gold and silver ore at the Jasaul deposit.
     At the same time, in agreement with Navoi MMC, additional geological exploration works were conducted for the III stage of development of the Kokpatas deposit and the III stage of development of the Daugiztau deposit. Engineering-geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological parameters at the Yangi-Davon and Pistali deposits were studied in accordance with international standards. These standards were used to develop the Feasibility Study (FS), a technical and economic justification under the requirements of the JORC Code.

 

 

 

 

ПОСЛАТЬ ДРУГУ

 ПЕЧАТЬ

Интервью