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19 September 1935 – 20 March 2026
Lev Mikhailovich Gleyzer was born in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine. In 1958, he graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree in geological engineering. From that same year onward, his entire professional career was devoted to the geological service of Uzbekistan.
Mr. Gleyzer began his professional activity in 1958 at the Chatkal Geological Exploration Expedition, where he was appointed as a geologist.
From 1960 to 1976, he worked as a research scientist at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Academy of Sciences of the Uzbek SSR. During this period, in 1969, while conducting thematic research jointly with T.M. Voronich (Matsokina), he co-discovered the Shavazsay lithium deposit. The entire long process of studying this unique deposit—unparalleled in Central Asia in terms of its genesis—its exploration, and the approval of reserves by the State Commission on Mineral Reserves (GKZ), was carried out under his leadership and with his direct participation.
In 1976, Mr. Gleyzer returned to the Chatkal Geological Exploration Expedition, where he was appointed Head of the Geological Department. In 1980, he was transferred to the “Tashkentgeology” association as a Senior Geologist. From 2000, Lev Mikhailovich served as Head of Department at the State Geological Enterprise “Sharqiy Uzbekistan.” His deep and comprehensive expertise ensured the successful fulfillment of responsibilities related to operational management, as well as short- and long-term planning of geological exploration activities in Eastern Uzbekistan. He also played a key role in addressing geological and metallogenic issues of the exceptionally resource-rich Chatkal-Kurama region.
In 2001, Mr. Gleyzer headed the State Commission on Mineral Reserves (GKZ) of the State Committee for Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In this role, his encyclopedic knowledge and extensive practical experience across virtually all fields of subsurface studies were fully demonstrated.
During his tenure as Chief Geologist of the GKZ, more than 400 reports on reserve estimation for all types of mineral resources in the Republic—gold, tungsten, uranium, oil and gas, hydro-mineral resources, construction materials, and others—were reviewed and approved. Many of these deposits are currently under development and contribute to the stable functioning of the national economy.
Since August 3, 2011, Mr. Gleyzer worked at the State Institution “Institute of Mineral Resources” as a Chief Specialist in the evaluation of forecast resources—a fundamental component of the Republic’s mineral resource base. The assessments of forecast resources for gold, tungsten, iron ores, uranium, oil shale, barite, and other minerals, reviewed and validated by Mr. Gleyzer, were distinguished by the highest possible degree of objectivity, consistent with his earlier work in reserve estimation at the GKZ. Virtually every expert conclusion prepared by him served as a concise methodological guide for young specialists, reflecting both the specific characteristics of the evaluated объекта and the analysis of errors made by authors.
In addition, Mr. Gleyzer was a leading author in the development of new regulatory and methodological documents governing geological exploration activities at all stages, as well as in introducing targeted amendments to existing regulations in line with modern requirements. All нормативные documents developed with his participation were approved by the GKZ under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and by the GKZ under the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
It is also important to highlight Mr. Gleyzer’s fruitful cooperation with the geological services of the Almalyk and Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combines. He was a co-author of feasibility studies (TEO) and justifications for the economic viability of developing a number of major gold deposits in the Republic, including Urtalik, Amantaytau, Sarmich, Biran, Sarybatyr, Tamdybulak, Kyzylalma, Kauldy, and others.
Mr. Gleyzer actively participated in the public life of the Institute. He was a member of the section “Methodology of Exploration and Forecasting of Mineral Deposits” and of the Academic Council of the State Institution “IMR,” a member of the Scientific and Technical Council section, and of the Permanent Commission on Mineral Reserves (PDKZ) of the State Committee for Geology, as well as an expert of the GKZ.
For his significant contribution to the development of the mineral resource base of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Lev Mikhailovich Gleyzer was repeatedly awarded Certificates of Honor by the Ministry of Geology of the USSR, the State Committee for Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the State Institution “IMR.” He was also awarded the Bronze Medal of the USSR Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh), the badge “Excellence in Subsurface Exploration” of the USSR Ministry of Geology, the “Mining Glory” medal, and the commemorative badge “30 Years of Independence of Uzbekistan,” and was listed on the Honor Board of the State Committee for Geology.
The memory of Lev Mikhailovich Gleyzer—a man of exceptional character, broad vision, outstanding professionalism, and remarkable work ethic, distinguished by integrity and high standards both toward himself and others, while remaining honest, modest, and kind—will forever live in the hearts of his friends, colleagues, and students. He was rightfully respected and highly regarded within the geological community of Uzbekistan and far beyond its borders.
