The Strategic Platform Shaping Uzbekistan’s Mining and Metals Future
UIMF โ the Uzbekistan International Mining & Metals Forum โ is the flagship strategic dialogue platform for the mining and metallurgical industries in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Held annually in Tashkent as the business programme cornerstone of the MiningMetals Uzbekistan exhibition, it brings together government decision-makers, industry executives, investors, and technology providers to discuss investment projects, critical minerals development, and international cooperation.
Event Overview
The 8th Uzbekistan International Mining & Metals Forum โ UIMF 2026 is scheduled for 27โ28 October 2026 at the Congress Hall, Uzexpocentre NEC in Tashkent. The forum operates under the theme “From Resources to Global Opportunities”.
UIMF is organised by Iteca Exhibitions and ICA Events, with official support from the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum runs in parallel with the 20th Anniversary MiningMetals Uzbekistan 2026 exhibition (27โ29 October), creating a unified platform that combines strategic dialogue with technology demonstration.
Scale and Participation
According to official figures, UIMF 2026 expects to host 450+ delegates, 50+ speakers, participants from 17 countries, and 9 sessions. These numbers reflect the forum’s role as a high-level gathering point for the regional mining and metals community.
The forum typically attracts representatives from key national and international companies, including Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC) , Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Company (AGMK) , Uzbekcoal, Navoiuran, Uzmetkombinat, and the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant, alongside international firms such as Dassault Systรจmes, Citi, FORACO International, and Micromine.
Programme Highlights
The UIMF 2026 programme is structured around several strategic and technical sessions:
Plenary Session: Central Asia’s New Resource Architecture โ Addressing successful investment models for a sustainable economy, Uzbekistan’s role as the heart of the region’s new industrial economy, mechanisms for delivering economic growth based on resource security, and the transition from import substitution to global competitiveness.
Strategic Session: Metals of the Future โ from Extraction to Technological Leadership โ Covering the new phase in expanding the resource base for critical minerals, the strategic value of critical resources for major technology projects, and the “Metals of the Future Technopark” initiative bringing together science, manufacturing, and innovation.
Technical Session: Mining 5.0 โ Autonomous Mining and Management Systems โ Exploring the evolution of mines toward autonomous open pits and transport systems, centralised mine operation management, interconnection of machinery and sensors, ESG in the digital mine, and automated bulk material handling.
Technical Session: Smart Mineral Exploration and Development of Deep Deposits โ Addressing integration of geophysical, geochemical, remote-sensing, and AI data; deep drilling in complex geology; digital assessment of mineral resources; and integrated processing of large datasets.
Dialogue Session: Uzbekistan’s Junior Mining Ecosystem โ Examining a new model for subsoil use and opportunities for junior mining companies.
Day 2 Sessions include strategic discussions on New Investment Models for Uzbekistan’s Mining and Metals, along with further technical panels and B2B meetings.
Market Context
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s leading countries in terms of mineral reserves, rich in gold, copper, uranium, tungsten, rare earth elements, and non-ferrous metals. The mining and metallurgical industries play a strategic role in the national economy, accounting for up to 30% of export revenues and providing thousands of jobs.
The growing share of critical minerals โ resources essential for high-tech equipment, future energy systems, batteries, electronics, and the green transition โ is gaining special importance. These minerals form the foundation for Uzbekistan’s technological breakthrough and accelerated industrialisation.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has actively reformed its raw materials sector, making it more open to investment and international partnerships. The state programme adopted through 2030 outlines the introduction of modern exploration and extraction technologies, development of processing capacities, environmental modernisation, and attraction of private and foreign capital to new projects.
Why It Matters
For international companies, UIMF provides direct access to key decision-makers โ ministries, state-owned enterprises (NMMC, AGMK, Uzmetkombinat, Technological Metals Plant), and private operators. The forum offers a targeted platform for presenting technologies and solutions to an engaged industry audience, expanding into new markets, and strengthening positioning in the fast-developing Eurasian market.
For participants, the forum delivers a rich and relevant content programme covering strategic sessions, tech panels, ESG, digitalisation, and energy efficiency. It also features presentations of investment cases and exploration projects from government agencies and major industry players, tailored B2B and B2G meetings, and live networking with international experts, analysts, and solution providers.
According to the organiser, UIMF is “more than just a forum โ it is a strategic business platform where agreements are forged, investment projects are launched, and long-term cooperation is built”.
Those interested in participating should contact the Forum Organising Committee or verify current details through official channels, as programme details are subject to confirmation.
