Abstract
<jats:p>This article examines the global and regional significance of oil shales, particularly the resources found in the Lower Eocene deposits within the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Against the backdrop of growing global energy consumption and declining reserves of traditional fuel sources, oil shales hold a special position as an alternative energy source. The results of geological exploration at the Sangruntau and Aktau deposits in the Central Kyzylkum region are presented, highlighting the composition of the shales, their importance for the energy and chemical industries, and their richness in metal-organic compounds (U, Mo, V, Re, etc.). The article discusses oil shale processing technologies, economic prospects, and the potential for their integrated development. It concludes that oil shales are considered a vital source of fuel and raw materials for the future.</jats:p>