Where Has Exploration Begun?
Uzbek Overseas Geology Company has commenced geological exploration activities at the Muhammad–Jandagar, Shamar, and Ahmadabad blocks in Afghanistan. The project aims to identify hydrocarbon reserves alongside prospective iron and copper deposits.
The launch ceremony was attended by Mawlawi Nurul Hadi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh Province for Economic Affairs, and Khayitboy Omonov, Director General of the company. The firm received the necessary license following negotiations with the Afghan side.
What Is the Legal Framework for the Project?
The exploration work is being carried out under a cooperation agreement previously signed between the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan.
Both sides have expressed readiness to further expand cooperation in geological research and the mining sector.
What Is Known About the Company?
According to the Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organizations, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company was registered in February 2025. The company has an authorized capital of UZS 12.97 billion.
Its founders are Uzbek Geological Exploration JSC and Uzbekgeofizika, each holding a 50 percent stake. The company operates in mining-related activities not classified elsewhere.
How Is Uzbekistan Expanding Its Energy Interests in Afghanistan?
Uzbek companies have increasingly shown interest in Afghanistan’s hydrocarbon sector in recent years. In May 2024, several firms, including Eriell Group, explored opportunities for oil production projects in the country.
In October 2024, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and an unnamed Uzbek company signed a 10-year agreement for gas exploration and production at the Toti-Maidan field in Jowzjan Province. The ceremony was attended by Bahodirjon Sidikov, then Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz.
Under the agreement, the investor is expected to invest $100 million in the first year and approximately $1 billion over the 10-year period. During the first two years, plans include generating 100 MW of electricity from extracted gas.
What Are the Future Plans?
In February 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev stated that Uzbek investors are prepared to cooperate with Afghanistan in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as invest in industrial projects such as constructing a cement plant in Samangan Province.
He also noted significant progress at the Toti-Maidan gas field, where production operations are expected to begin in the near future.