The Technical Meeting on Advances and Innovations in the Exploration and Mining of Sandstone Uranium Deposits took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 13-17 October 2025. The meeting was organized by the IAEA in collaboration with the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan to share and exchange information on recent developments in exploration methods and production and processing technologies for sandstone uranium deposits, based on the draft of a new IAEA technical document titled “Sandstone Uranium Deposits”.
The event brought together more than 80 representatives from over 25 IAEA Member States, along with international experts and scientists specializing in uranium geology and mining.
The conference focuses on environmental safety, advanced technologies, and fostering international scientific collaboration in uranium mining.
Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology, Ural Yusupov (black suit, center), inaugurated the event, highlighting Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to explore and develop uranium deposits
“We aim to further improve safety standards in uranium mining and introduce advanced technologies. Training qualified specialists in this field is one of our priorities,” Yusupov said, stressing the strategic importance of international cooperation.
According to Adrienne Hanly, Technical Director for Uranium Resources at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to develop its scientific and technological capabilities in uranium mining. She praised Uzbekistan’s progress, noting that the country is actively enhancing its potential through fruitful collaboration with the IAEA.
Adrienne Hanly, Technical Director for Uranium Resources at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
During the conference, participants discussed the peaceful use of atomic energy, strengthening safety standards, and adherence to international regulations developed by the IAEA.
A delegation from Vietnam’s Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements (ITRRE) of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute also attended the meeting. The delegation’s participation aimed to learn from international experience and exchange knowledge on the latest exploration and processing technologies. This is particularly relevant given Vietnam’s significant, world-recognized uranium reserves and potential for exploitation. In the context of restarting nuclear power projects, mastering advanced uranium ore processing technology is a crucial step for the nation to be proactive in enriching and utilizing uranium fuel.
As part of the program, delegates visited uranium mines in the Navoiy region, including Navoiyuran enterprise, to observe modern production technologies, environmental safety systems, and operational processes firsthand.
Photos from the visit to the in-situ recovery facilities managed by the Navoiyuran company
Trinh Nguyen Quynh, Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements
