Modernization and New Technologies – the Key Factor for the Development of the Geological Sector

 

     In the current environment of global economic development, every industry requires fundamental renewal, adoption of modern technologies, and digitalization of production processes to ensure its efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. In particular, the geological sector is crucial for developing the country’s mineral resource base, and modernizing its direction in line with contemporary demands is a strategic task on the agenda.
     It is for this purpose that “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC has carried out large-scale modernization processes in recent years. The company’s main priorities include expanding existing production capacities, introducing digital technologies, optimizing processes with automated drilling equipment, and increasing work efficiency.

 

     The geological and mining sector holds a vital strategic position in Uzbekistan’s economy. In the middle of the last century, specialists primarily used mechanical and high-power-consuming equipment, which had limited work efficiency and low safety levels. Consequently, the work process was time-consuming, and safety requirements were not adequately met. Especially in drilling operations, accidents often occurred in wells due to technical failures, and losses in geological sample collection were significant.
     The experience of past years has shown that the main guarantee of economic development is the continuous renewal of production processes, the implementation of modern technologies, and the increase of work efficiency. From this perspective, the modernization processes carried out in the geological sector in recent years are of historical significance and are becoming a key factor in strengthening the country’s mineral resource base.
     The modern drilling equipment, digital technologies, and automated systems currently being acquired by “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC are creating opportunities that were previously difficult to imagine. For example, while one piece of equipment drilled an average of 450 meters per month in 2020, this figure has now reached 2000 meters with modern equipment. This is not just a number – it is a clear expression of the qualitative changes in the geological sector.
     Modernization processes are of historical importance not only in technical terms but also in economic and social ones. This is because they not only ensure the company’s competitiveness but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. Most importantly, every step in the geological sector is intrinsically linked to creating strategic reserves for future generations, utilizing them rationally, and preserving natural resources.

 

 

     Between 2021 and 2025, modern, high-efficiency drilling equipment manufactured in Turkey was introduced to the company’s expeditions. For example, in 2021–2022, hydraulically driven diesel and electric equipment such as ESD-9, S-15, and S-21 from DBC Makina Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., which fully comply with world standards, were implemented. Later, SONMAK RX-4 and DBC S-21 equipment, as well as electric locomotives and wagons, were also purchased.
     This has dramatically increased the capacity and efficiency of drilling operations. For instance:
     ● Surface core drilling increased by 35% compared to 2020, with each unit reaching a rate of 1300 meters per month (compared to 450 linear meters in 2020).
     ● Underground core drilling increased by 30%, with each unit capable of drilling 500 meters per month (compared to 150 linear meters in 2020).
     ● The use of modern reagents has brought the efficiency of sample collection in complex rock sections up to 100%.
These changes have not only improved work quality but also contributed to safety, stability of work processes, and time savings.

 

 

     A total of 693.7 thousand linear meters of drilling work is planned within the company’s system for the current year.
In addition, underground mining works are planned to be carried out in the amount of 6930 meters, and surface mining works in the amount of 303.1 thousand cubic meters within the company’s system.
     These indicators are being achieved through the use of budget funds, funds from Almalyk MMC and Navoi MMC, and contract-based funds.

 

 

     The main goal of any modernization process is to increase production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the competitiveness of products or services. The geological sector is no exception. As a result of the upgrades carried out by “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC in recent years, economic efficiency has sharply increased.
     Firstly, the introduction of modern drilling equipment has allowed for the optimization of exploration costs. This not only increased work productivity but also significantly reduced the cost of services.
     Another important aspect of economic efficiency is time saving. While older equipment often resulted in significant time loss due to unscheduled stops, waiting for spare parts, or rectifying accidents in wells, such situations have been drastically reduced with modern machines. As a result, the net drilling time has increased from 30% to 48.5%. This figure is considered high and meets international standards.
     Furthermore, the increase in the efficiency of geological exploration work has positively affected the company’s international reputation. Today, “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC is able to participate in international tenders and provide competitive services not only within the republic but also in foreign countries. This serves as a crucial factor in bringing the national geological sector to the international market and boosting the country’s economy.
     Additionally, modernization processes ensure energy and resource savings in production. For example, rational use of fuel and lubricants, saving technological materials, and achieving 100% results in geological sample collection are all key indicators of economic efficiency.
     Thus, the use of modern technologies is yielding tremendous results not only technically but also economically. Most importantly, through these processes,“Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC is becoming a competitive company on both national and international scales.

 

 

     Modern geological exploration work is unimaginable without digital technologies. Today, digitalization and automation processes are being introduced at every stage of production. “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC is also implementing advanced practices in this area.
     Firstly, digital technologies allow for real-time control of work processes. That is, drilling work in expeditions, labor utilization, technical resource consumption, and even losses or excessive costs are monitored online. These processes are documented with photos and videos, enabling prompt decision-making.
     Secondly, digitalization ensures the efficient use of technological materials and fuel/lubricants. For example, while losses or inefficient consumption were often observed in the past, current digital monitoring systems have minimized them.
     Thirdly, digital technologies are crucial for automating employees’ work. Processes such as preparing reports, collecting data in field conditions, and entering geological sample and well data into the system have been automated using software packages. This reduces the human factor and makes work processes precise, fast, and reliable.
     The digitalization process is also of great importance in ensuring safety. Modern sensors and detectors enable early warnings about the operational status of equipment, pressure and temperature readings in the earth’s crust, and hazardous situations. As a result, accidents and work stoppages have been significantly reduced.
     Moreover, digital technologies ensure competitiveness on the international stage. This is because, today, the ability to digitally monitor work processes, submit reports in electronic format, and provide accurate and online data has become one of the most important requirements in tenders and major international contracts.
     Thus, “Uzbek Geological Exploration” JSC is elevating its operations to a new level not only through technical modernization but also through digitalization processes. This allows for increased sector efficiency, while also easing manual labor, ensuring safety, and conducting geological exploration work in accordance with international standards.

 

 

 

 

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