Uzbek Companies Begin Gas Exploration at Afghanistan’s Toti-Maidan Field

Uzbek companies have received official licenses from Afghanistan to explore and produce hydrocarbons, Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov announced in a documentary titled The Path of a New Uzbekistan - A Truth Recognized by the World, broadcast on Uzbekistan 24. According to Mirzamakhmudov, Afghan authorities have granted Uzbek firms the right to conduct geological exploration and develop hydrocarbon deposits on Afghan territory. Work began in mid-September at the Toti-Maidan gas field in Jowzjan province under a 25-year contract signed with the Uzbek company Eriell KAM. “This will be the first stage,” Mirzamakhmudov said, as quoted by Uzbek media. “Depending on the results, we plan to expand cooperation to new sites. The project is being implemented as an initiative that will benefit both the Uzbek and Afghan economies.” The Toti-Maidan field spans approximately 7,500 square kilometers and includes around 30 wells, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. Uzbekistan is expected to invest about $100 million annually over the next decade, with plans to process the extracted gas domestically. Mirzamakhmudov emphasized that the initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s growing role in regional energy cooperation and aligns with its policy of fostering mutually beneficial ties with neighboring countries. He noted that the project aims to support local industry development and job creation in both nations. In August 2025, Uzbek and Afghan energy companies signed a series of agreements in Kabul to implement four major infrastructure projects. These include the construction of a 500-kilovolt Surkhan-Dasht-e Alwan transmission line, substation expansions in Arghandeh and Nangarhar, and upgrades to the Kabul-Nangarhar power corridor.