Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company has launched a pilot project, “AI Aerial Surveyor,” at its flagship Muruntau mine in cooperation with Uzbekcosmos, the National Agency for Space Research and Technologies under The Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The project forms part of NMMC’s 2025-2030 Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Development Roadmap and focuses on the deployment of AI-enabled aerial surveying to deliver high-precision volume measurements and continuous monitoring of mining faces using unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced analytics.

High-resolution drone imagery is processed through machine vision, AI algorithms, and 3D modeling technologies to create accurate digital twins of quarry sections. This enables automated calculation of excavation volumes, strengthens production planning and operational control, and significantly improves the quality and timeliness of management data.

Beyond operational efficiency, the initiative is also an important element of NMMC’s ongoing development of an integrated risk management system across multiple business areas. By reducing reliance on manual measurements, minimizing human-factor risks, improving data reliability, and increasing transparency, digital aerial surveying supports more informed decision-making, enhanced production safety, and stronger control over operational, geological, environmental risks.

Through this pilot, NMMC continues to systematically embed digital technologies and risk-based management practices across its operations, reinforcing its long-term value creation strategy, strengthening institutional maturity and aligning with international mining best practices.

The Press Service