This measure envisaged in the presidential resolution "On measures on further increasing efficiency of organization and conducting exploration works".

In line with the resolution, the programme will envisage measures on updating and strengthening material-technical base of geological exploration expeditions, services and other structures.

The resolution said that Finance Ministry of Uzbekistan, starting from 2011, will issue budget provisions for geological exploration works at the size of 90% in line with approved estimates. Other 10% will be paid up to 1 February 2010 of the same year on the result of executed forecast mineral reserves growth and actual volume of exploration works.

Uzbekistan discovered about 3,000 fields and perspective deposits of minerals. In Uzbekistan explored about 1,000 deposits, including oil, gas and condensate, precious metals, non-ferrous and ferrous metals, coal, mining-chemical raw materials, construction materials, clean and mineral underground waters.

Uzbekistan occupies the fourth place on gold reserves in the world and the seventh place on the volume of mining, on uranium reserves – 7-8 places and its mining – 4th place, and on copper reserves – 10th place.