Uzbekistan’s state uranium company Navoiyuran and Uzbek Overseas Geology Company have begun discussions with Mongolia’s uranium producer Mon-Atom to launch joint geological exploration projects in the country.
During a visit to Mongolia, the Uzbek delegation held meetings with Mon-Atom’s management to explore cooperation in uranium exploration on prospective sites. According to reports, the partners may begin exploration activities as early as this year.
A strategic intergovernmental agreement between the geological ministries of Uzbekistan and Mongolia is expected to be signed during an upcoming meeting scheduled for April. The agreement will establish a framework for joint exploration and development initiatives in the uranium sector.
Following the negotiations, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company and Mon-Atom agreed to proceed with a service contract that will support the preparation of project documentation and licensing materials required for subsoil use.
At the initial stage of the exploration programme, the partners plan to carry out approximately 60,000 metres of integrated drilling across selected sites. After evaluating the uranium resource potential, the companies will determine further steps for detailed geological assessment.
The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to expand its international exploration activities. Last month, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company launched a two-year geological expedition in Afghanistan, where it is exploring for hydrocarbons, iron and copper across three licence areas.
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Geology has also signed a cooperation agreement with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, granting Uzbekistan priority rights to develop hydrocarbon resources discovered during exploration activities.
