The GEOMIN 2026 international conference is taking place in Tashkent on September 14–16, 2026, bringing together representatives of the geology, mining, and mineral resources sectors from 26 countries.

The event is organized by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), with the support and participation of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The main theme of GEOMIN 2026 is “Advancing Mineral Exploration through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation.” The conference serves as an international platform for discussing new approaches to mineral prospecting and exploration, advancing technology, sharing professional expertise, and strengthening cooperation among government bodies, geological surveys, industry, academia, and technology companies.

More than 70 organizations from 26 countries are represented at GEOMIN 2026. The program features over 100 presentations, 25 technical sessions, addresses by 34 keynote speakers, and three high-level panel discussions.

Particular attention is being given to critical and strategic minerals; the use of artificial intelligence, advanced data analysis methods, and digital platforms in mineral exploration; advances in geophysical surveying and geological modeling; and the investment attractiveness of prospective mineral-rich regions.

One of the conference’s central topics is the use of artificial intelligence and large geological datasets to improve the efficiency of discovering new mineral deposits. International experts are discussing the potential of advanced analytical tools, predictive modeling, and new technologies for collecting and processing geological and geophysical data.

A substantial part of the program focuses on critical and strategic resources, which are becoming increasingly important for the energy transition, high-tech industries, and the resilience of global supply chains. Discussions cover prospects for mineral exploration and development, investment opportunities, and the introduction of advanced technologies across the sector.

A dedicated section addresses sustainable natural resource development, environmental and social responsibility, the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and modern approaches to responsible mining.

The official opening of GEOMIN 2026 took place on September 14. Participants were welcomed by Feruza Khamidova, First Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Roki Detomo, President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

The opening ceremony was followed by a ministerial panel focused on unlocking the potential of critical minerals, exploring new prospective areas, advancing the mineral systems approach, and improving project readiness for investment.

The GEOMIN 2026 program also includes three high-level panel discussions. Participants are examining critical mineral development and investment attraction; ESG, operations, and supply chains; and the training of the next generation of professionals for the geology and mining sectors.

One of the conference’s special events is GEOMIN AI Labs, a hands-on initiative at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data, and mineral exploration. The top ten finalists are presenting their innovations and solutions at the conference.

Another dedicated forum is a roundtable bringing together the heads of national geological surveys to discuss critical minerals, geological data management, and cross-border cooperation.

Hosting GEOMIN 2026 in Tashkent holds particular significance for Uzbekistan. In recent years, the country has steadily implemented extensive reforms in its geology and mining sectors. It is improving the regulatory framework for subsoil use, introducing market mechanisms and modern approaches to attracting investment, and digitizing geological data and production processes. The use of airborne geophysics, remote sensing, geodynamic modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in mineral exploration is expanding. At the same time, efforts are underway to increase transparency across the sector, introduce international standards and ESG principles, develop critical mineral resources, and establish production chains with greater added value.

Hosting GEOMIN in Uzbekistan brings this international platform to Central Asia for the first time, providing an opportunity to showcase the country’s geological potential, prospects for developing critical and strategic mineral resources, and new opportunities for international technology and investment partnerships.

The program includes a technical field trip to the Kalmakyr porphyry copper deposit, where participants will have the opportunity to learn about its geology, exploration approaches, and mining operations.

GEOMIN was first held in 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hosting the second international forum in Tashkent further develops GEOMIN as a professional platform that brings together representatives of government bodies, geological surveys, industry, academia, and the technology community to discuss current issues in mineral exploration and the mineral resources sector.

GEOMIN 2026 aims to strengthen international cooperation, accelerate the exchange of knowledge and technology, and foster new professional and investment partnerships that support the continued advancement of modern mineral exploration and the mineral resources sector.