The geological structure of Uzbekistan is very diverse, but basically, its territory consists of two tectonic structures — the Tien Shan orogenic region and the Turan plate.

The Tien Shan orogenic region includes large and small tectonic structures. The largest of them are folded structures (Chatkal, Kuramin, Turkestan, Zarafshan ridges).

Minerals

Uzbekistan is rich in various minerals. Among the most important natural resources of the republic are its fuel and energy resources, which include gas, oil, and coal. Oil and gas deposits were first discovered in 1880 in the Fergana Valley in the area of Northern Sokha, Southern Alamyshik, Palvantash, Chimion, and Shorsu. Oil was discovered in Mingbulak in 1992, and in Kokdumalak in 1993. Large oil and gas reserves have been found in the southwestern spurs of the Hissar Ridge – the Adamtash, Pachkamar, Omonat, Khaudag, and Uchkyzil deposits.

Later, oil reserves were found in the plains of Kashkadarya and Bukhara regions — in the fields of Mubarek, Akjar, Saryktash, Jarkak, and Karaulbazar. Large deposits of natural gas were found in Ustyurt (Shakhpakhta and Kuanysh). There are significant deposits of brown coal of industrial importance in the territory of Uzbekistan. The main deposits are concentrated in the Angren deposit, where brown coal is mined.

There are two coal deposits in the mountainous part of the Surkhandarya region — Shargun and Baisun. There are several deposits of ore (iron, titanium, manganese, chromium), non-ferrous (copper, lead), rare (tungsten, molybdenum, tin, bismuth, mercury, antimony), precious (gold, silver) metals on the territory of Uzbekistan. The main deposits among them are Kalmakkyr, Sarychek, and Dalneye (Tashkent region). Large gold deposits have been discovered in Kyzylkum — Muruntau, Kokpatas, and others. Uzbekistan is also rich in phosphorites. Their large reserves are discovered in Central Kyzylkum. In the southwestern spurs of the Hissar ridge, there are deposits of table salt, potassium salts, and sulfur (Akbash, Lyalmikan, Khadjaikan).

Uzbekistan is also rich in building materials (sand, crushed stone, pebbles, loess, quartz sand, limestone, marble), and hydromineral raw materials — groundwater. Many deposits of marble have been discovered on the territory of the republic. Most of them are of high quality and have a variety of colors. Marble mined in Uzbekistan has been used, for example, in the construction and decoration of majestic buildings, such as the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater, the Istiqlol Palace, subway stations in Tashkent, in the construction of monuments and memorial complexes.