Tashkent, October 28–29, 2025 — The International Mining and Metallurgical Forum UIMF 2025 hosted a special session titled “Metals of the Technological Revolution: Critical Minerals.” The discussion brought together leading experts to examine the growing strategic importance of critical raw materials for technological development and the global energy transition.
The session was moderated by George Kekelidze, Executive Director of EUROSOLAR Georgia & EUROSOLAR Uzbekistan and Director of Innovation Energy LLC.
Critical minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, copper, and other strategic materials play an increasingly important role in renewable energy technologies, electric mobility, energy storage systems, and digital infrastructure. As the global transition toward low-carbon economies accelerates, the responsible development of mineral resources has become a priority for governments and industry worldwide.
The panel featured distinguished speakers including Han Ilhan, Advisor to the Chairman of the Uzbek Technological Metals Complex, Maksud Isakov, Director of the Institute of Mineral Resources, Victor Davydov, Co-Founder and Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Director at ENSOR Management Consultants, Bolat Sarsenov, Manager at EY Kazakhstan Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and İlhan Bettemir, Founder of GEMAR Environmental Measurement and Analysis Laboratory.
During the session, participants discussed sustainable extraction practices, environmental standards, technological innovation, and international cooperation mechanisms that can support responsible mineral development. Particular attention was given to Uzbekistan’s significant mineral resource potential and the country’s growing role in global supply chains for strategic materials.
Experts emphasized that cooperation between government institutions, scientific organizations, and industry players is essential for maximizing economic benefits while ensuring environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.
