Tashkent, June 18 — A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding on mutual cooperation was signed today in the capital with the University of Utah (USA), one of the leading research institutions in the United States. The document is aimed at strengthening the parties’ shared intentions and approaches to conducting joint scientific research, seeking scientific solutions to pressing challenges in the mining and metallurgy sector, and establishing the exchange of qualified personnel.

It should be noted that the signed document is a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the parties’ interest in cooperation and the directions of their future joint efforts. It primarily expresses intentions and serves as a general framework for subsequent concrete projects.

The memorandum was signed by three parties: Kongratboy Sharipov, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Abdulla Khursanov, Chairman of the Board of “Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine” JSC, and Randy McCrillis, Senior International Officer, representing the University of Utah (USA).

A delegation of distinguished professors and faculty members of the University of Utah took part in the signing ceremony. In particular, the delegation included the heads of the university’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Mining Engineering, as well as officials responsible for international scientific cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to carry out joint scientific research in a number of promising areas in the near future, to exchange experience and knowledge, and to develop mutual cooperation in building human-resource capacity. The following were identified as priority areas of cooperation:

- mineralogy,

- mining,

- metallurgy,

- materials science,

- energy and ecology,

- automation,

- artificial intelligence,

- ore and technogenic waste processing technologies,

- engineering.

These areas are particularly relevant to the country’s industrial, mining, and metallurgical sectors. Joint research will make it possible to develop modern scientific approaches and practical solutions, as well as to strengthen the exchange of experience among specialists in the field.

For “Almalyk MMC” JSC, this cooperation is of strategic importance. As a major mining and metallurgical enterprise, the combine has a constant need for qualified mining, metallurgical, mechanical, and chemical engineers. Cooperation within the framework of the memorandum creates a foundation for joint research projects aimed at addressing the enterprise’s production-related challenges on a scientific basis.

According to the parties, the signed Memorandum of Understanding will serve as a solid foundation for future concrete projects, joint research programs, and practical steps in personnel exchange. Subsequent steps within the cooperation will be implemented gradually on the basis of separate agreements.