A meeting between the leadership of Tajikistan’s Main Geology Directorate and a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology took place in Dushanbe to discuss joint geological exploration efforts, Asiaplus.tj reports.
According to the press service of Tajikistan’s Main Geology Directorate, the primary focus of the negotiations was expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of geology. In particular, the parties discussed the prospects of conducting joint geological exploration in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) of Tajikistan.
Additionally, the sides considered the possibility of digitizing geological materials, exchanging statistical data in electronic format, and jointly utilizing modern methods for mineral exploration.
The Uzbek delegation plans to visit geological exploration sites in Tajikistan, as well as the Geological Museum of Tajikistan, which houses more than 4,500 samples of rocks and minerals collected since 1939.
At the end of the visit, a protocol on bilateral cooperation is expected to be signed, outlining further steps for the development of joint geological research.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan’s geological cooperation began with the signing of an intergovernmental agreement in 2018. Under this agreement, both sides have already initiated joint research on border territories, as well as the exchange of scientific data and technologies. Priority areas include the study of oil and gas deposits, lead-zinc ores, and phosphorites, as well as the exploration of underground water resources.
Previously, an Uzbek delegation led by Minister Bakhtiyor Islamov participated in the International Mining and Metallurgical Investment Forum and Exhibition in Dushanbe in the fall of 2024. At that time, the Tajik side discussed with Uzbek representatives the prospects for joint geological exploration in GBAO.
Furthermore, special attention is being given to the digitization of geological data. Tajikistan is currently completing the digitization of its geological map at a 1:200,000 scale, which will enable more effective forecasting of mineral reserves and planning of extraction operations. Uzbekistan is also interested in developing a unified geological database for Central Asia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 7, 2025