Press releases
UIMF 2025 – MINING INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE: RESOURCES AND STRATEGIES
The mining sector supplying raw materials essential to virtually every branch of industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic growth potential of any nation. Developing strategies for its modernisation and defining the key vectors of progress are therefore of decisive importance.
These issues will form the cornerstone of discussions at the 7th Uzbekistan International Mining and Metals Forum – UIMF 2025, taking place on October 28-29, 2025, at the Congress Hall of the Uzexpocentre National Exhibition Complex, as part of the 19th International Exhibition MiningMetals Uzbekistan 2025.
Recognised as a leading event on the mining and metallurgy agenda, UIMF serves as a high-level platform for expert dialogue and strategic discussion. The 2025 Forum theme, Mining Industry of the Future: Resources and Strategies, reflects the global transition from a conventional raw materials approach toward the development of critical minerals, the creation of new investment models, and the pursuit of sustainable growth strategies.
UIMF 2025 is being held with the official support of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association.
This year’s Forum is proudly supported by Gold Sponsors – JSC Uzbek Technological Metals Plant (UzTMK) and Dassault Systèmes; Sponsor – DETRA; Innovation Partner – Datamine; and Partners – LabWare and Micromine.
The programme will feature a broad agenda of panel discussions, expert dialogues, and business meetings, addressing the most pressing topics for the sector — from investment and innovation to defining strategies for the sustainable development of the mining and metallurgical industries.
The Forum will bring together 46 speakers and moderators and over 550 delegates representing 14 countries — Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uzbekistan.
As tradition dictates, the event will kick-off with a Plenary Session, setting the tone for two days of high-level discussions. The key focus will be on transformation of the mining sector amid the global energy transition, enhancing Uzbekistan’s investment appeal, and strengthening its position in the international markets. Among the key speakers will be Ms. Feruza Khamidova, First Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan; William Husband, Global Head of Mining and Metals at Citi; Ralph Smith, Managing Director, GEOVIA (Dassault Systèmes), and Evgeny Antonov, First Deputy General Director for Transformation, Navoi MMC.
The visionary dialogue titled New Investment Models for the Economic Sustainability of the Mining and Metallurgical Sector will address the role of ESG financing, public-private partnerships, and sustainable investment mechanisms in the modern economy. Experts from EY, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association, Micromine, and Solidcore Eurasia will explore how harmonising international standards and adopting advanced approaches to reserve assessment can foster sector resilience.
A special highlight will be the presentation by Ms. Gulbakhor Tadjimirzaeva, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association, who will outline a strategic vision for the development of the national ferrous metallurgy sector and the prospects for regional cooperation within the CIS. Established just last year, the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association is supporting the Forum for the first time.
The afternoon of the opening day will feature two major thematic discussions that define the strategic trajectory of the mining and metallurgy sector: the special session on Metals of the Technological Revolution: Critical Minerals and the session on Industry 4.0: Digital Evolution – From Classics to Innovations.
The first session will explore Uzbekistan’s growing role in the global market for critical minerals — the essential raw materials driving the transition to new technologies and green energy. Discussions will focus on the implementation of international ESG standards, localisation of advanced technologies, capacity building for skilled professionals, and ensuring the sustainability of supply chains. Among the speakers are: Mr. Maksud Isakov (Institute of Mineral Resources), Mr. Viktor Davydov (ENSOR Management Consultants), Mr. Bolat Sarsenov (EY Kazakhstan), Mr. Ilkhan Bettemir (GEMAR Environmental), and Mr. Khan Ilkhan (Uzbek Technological Metals Plant).
The Industry 4.0 session will bring together the leading experts driving the digital transformation of mining and metallurgy enterprises. The discussion will examine the integration of IoT, Big Data, and artificial intelligence into operation processes, alongside the development of digital business models and the deployment of smart technologies that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The speakers will include: Mr. Ravshan Maksumov and Mr. Ulugbek Tagaliyev (Uzinfocom), Mr. Kadyr Shabanbayev (National Geological Survey), Mr. Eldar Sydykov (GEOVIA, Dassault Systèmes), Mr. Denis Shamov (LabWare), and Ms. Alena Norko (Skoltech).
The second day of the Forum will turn the spotlight on R&D, innovation, and education — the fundamental pillars ensuring the industry’s sustainable long-term growth.
The technical session on From Exploration to Production: Resource Efficiency will showcase practical approaches to enhancing the efficiency of mineral exploration and extraction, optimising processing methods, and minimising resource losses. Among the featured experts are representatives from DeGolyer and MacNaughton, Hexagon, Datamine, Argetest Ulab, AV Group, and the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company.
A particular focus will be placed on strengthening collaboration between science and industry within the framework of the strategic dialogue on Partnership and Cooperation Based on the Integration of Science and the Innovation Ecosystem, organised in partnership with EUROUZ. The session will explore the creation of a national innovation ecosystem that unites research laboratories, universities, and industrial enterprises, driving synergy between academic research and production.
The business programme will conclude with the discussion session on The Future of Professional Education in the Mining and Metallurgical Sector, dedicated to developing human capital for the new industrial era. Experts will examine the integration of international educational standards, the establishment of partnerships between universities and businesses, and the implementation of advanced training and capacity-building programmes. Participants will include the University of Geological Sciences, Samarkand International Technological University, MISIS (Almalyk branch), as well as Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) and Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Company (AMMC).
Ultimately, UIMF 2025 brings together not only the technological and investment dimensions of industrial development but also the strategic priorities of human capital, sustainability, and innovation, shaping a comprehensive vision for the future of Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgy sector.
UIMF 2025 will serve as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue and expert exchange, fostering new partnerships and charting the course for the industry’s sustainable and innovative growth.
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Organiser: Congresses of Central Asia – CCA
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For further information, please contact CCA Press Office:
Tel: + (998 71) 237 15 54, e-mail: uimf@cca.uz, www.uimf.uz
