On August 28, 2025, the Institute of Mineral Resources hosted a ceremonial event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan's state independence. Director Maksud Uzakovich Isoqov, in his speech, emphasized the significance of independence for the nation's development and recalled the hardships of the past:

"Once we were in a dire situation, lacking both material and technical capacity. Today, thanks to the opportunities created by our President, the geology sector has entered an entirely new stage of development," he noted.

Scale of Research Activities
During the first eight months of 2025, the institute implemented 97 research projects worth a total of 61.1 billion soums, including:

17 projects worth 18.2 billion soums – under the State Program,
5 projects worth 1.28 billion soums – funded by national and international grants,
90 projects worth 41.6 billion soums – commissioned by industrial enterprises.
Within these projects, the institute carried out analysis of 2,500 geochemical samples, 8,000 analytical tests, 3,700 technological trials, examined 130 archival reports, and conducted re-evaluation at 7 exploration sites.

New Geological Maps and Prospective Sites
Specialists of the institute developed a 1:200,000 scale digital geological map of Uzbekistan, and created tectonic and space-structural maps of Southern Uzbekistan at a 1:100,000 scale.

In the Molguzar Mountains, three promising sites – Tuyatosh, Northern-Arlakshan, and Mugʻol – were identified. In addition, a 3D geological model of the Surxontov region is being developed.

Technological Research
In 2025, large-scale technological studies were conducted on gold, rare metals, bismuth, ferrous metals, and magnesium. For example, at the Hayotboshi gold deposit, flotation methods achieved a gold recovery rate of 68.4%. High performance results were also obtained for niobium and tantalum at the Arabbond and Mangʻit sites.

"Today we are developing the most efficient technological schemes for ore processing. Previously, this was beyond our capabilities, but now our laboratories meet international standards," the director underlined.

International Cooperation
The institute is expanding its international partnerships. Notably, joint research with the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) focuses on rare metals, while cooperation with the Geological Service of China led to geochemical surveys in the Molguzar Mountains at a 1:50,000 scale.

Scientific Potential and Publications
Currently, the institute employs 305 staff members, including 108 researchers. In 2025, its scientists published more than 90 articles, 6 of which appeared in Scopus and Web of Science journals. Additionally, 10 intellectual property objects were officially registered.

A New Initiative for Youth
During the event, the director also announced an important new initiative – the creation of a Youth Fund aimed at stimulating the scientific activity of students and master's degree researchers. The fund is expected to provide grants, finance scientific trips, and support additional projects for young specialists.

"The future lies in the hands of our youth. To strengthen their interest in science, we must create a system of support. If opportunities exist for young people, results will follow," said Isoqov.

Conclusion
The anniversary event, combined with the institute's progress report, highlighted the strategic role of geology and mineral resources in the country's economic development. As Director Isoqov stressed:

"The years of independence have brought a true rebirth to our sector. We are grateful to the state leadership and to our scientists, whose dedicated work makes these results possible."