The President has signed the Law dated 31.10.2024 No. ZRU-987 "On Subsoil," which will come into effect in 3 months.
The law regulates relationships arising from the ownership and management of subsoil resources, as well as their use and protection.
Subsoil and all naturally occurring mineral resources are the state property of Uzbekistan, subject to rational use and protected by the state. Subsoil areas cannot be the subject of sale, donation, inheritance, contribution, pledge, or any other form of transfer.
The new version of the law includes direct-action norms that regulate relationships in the field of subsoil use.
The process of issuing permits for subsoil use will implement the "single window" principle. Additionally, a mechanism will be introduced allowing licensees to manage permits for the right to use subsoil areas, including their sale, pledge, or transfer to other parties under the supervision of a state authority.
The document enhances property rights norms regarding geological information, its exchange, and realization by investors. Special attention is given to hydrocarbons, for which the norms have been tightened and detailed in accordance with international practices.
The order for issuing permits for geological exploration and extraction of non-metallic minerals has also been established. The rights and obligations of subsoil users holding permits have been defined, along with reporting requirements and minimum annual costs for geological exploration and mineral extraction.
The bodies implementing state policy in the area of subsoil use and protection include:
- The Cabinet of Ministers;
- The Ministry of Mining and Geology;
- The Ministry of Energy;
- The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change;
- The Inspection for Control in the Mining and Geology Sector;
- The State Institution "Center for Subsoil Use";
- Local executive authorities.
The document has been published in the National Database of Legislation and will come into effect on 02.02.2025.
Lola Abduazimova