The final of the GEOMIN AI Labs 2026 hackathon, dedicated to the application of artificial intelligence and Data Science in geology and the mining industry, took place in Tashkent on September 13. The event was held within the framework of the international conference GEOMIN 2026 with the support of the Ministry of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), and SLB acted as a technological partner. A total of about 60 students and young specialists submitted applications, and 10 participants reached the final after selection.
During the hackathon, participants solved four practical problems using machine learning. They had to search for promising zinc deposits, predict gold content, assess underground temperatures for the development of geothermal energy, and develop approaches to reduce environmental risks associated with mineral extraction. In the final, contestants presented their own models, research results, and options for their application in real projects.
Ziyoda Minavarova from the University of Geological Sciences took first place, Diyora Karimova from the MISiS University branch in Almalyk took second, and Temirali Sadikov from the Almalyk State Technical Institute took third. The winners received the opportunity to undergo a paid internship at SLB and work on practical industry problems using AI and Data Science. All three prize-winners also received tickets to GEOMIN 2026, and the finalists received memorable gifts.