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The law improves the procedure for the use of mineral wealth
The Law, which was the center of discussions, regulates relations arising from the ownership and disposal of subsoil resources, as well as the use and protection of subsoil
The main concepts used in the Law are expanded, it specifies the classification of minerals, i.e. primary and non-metallic minerals, their composition.
In accordance with the administrative reforms carried out in the republic, the scope of powers of state bodies in the field of subsoil use and protection is clarified. The powers of the Ministry of Mining and Geology, the Ministry of Ecology, the Ministry of Energy, the Inspectorate for Control in the Sphere of Mining and Geology, the State Institution "Subsoil Use Center", local executive authorities are clearly defined.
The Law introduces the principle of a "single window" in the processes of issuing permits for the right to use subsoil, accepting reports and providing public services in other areas.
In order to significantly increase the investment attractiveness of this area, the Law introduces a mechanism for disposal (sale, pledge or alienation to other persons) of a subsoil use permit by a licensee under the control of a state body.
The Law also separately identifies reconnaissance standards (the initial stage of geological study) for junior companies and improves the rules of ownership of geological information, its exchange and sale by investors.
The Law improves the cadastral system of the state subsoil fund, introducing such concepts as a hydrocarbon cadastre and a cadastral square.
The Law significantly strengthens the hydrocarbon focus. Thus, it establishes a procedure for preliminary study to accelerate large investments in identifying hydrocarbon reserves, geological exploration and their development, that is, the procedure for issuing a permit for reconnaissance work in a separate convenient mechanism.
The Law establishes additional special requirements concerning radiation safety during uranium mining and the related process, as well as the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
At the same time, the Law strengthens the rules concerning exploration and development of non-metallic raw material deposits.
A clear procedure for obtaining permits for geological exploration and extraction of non-metallic minerals is established, as well as the rights and obligations of subsoil users, and annual minimum expenses for the provision of periodic and final reports, geological exploration and extraction of minerals are determined.
The Law provides for rules for ensuring environmental safety during subsoil use, requirements and mechanisms for eliminating the consequences of subsoil use in order to ensure guaranteed preservation of the ecology and the environment in the future.
The adoption of the Law serves the effective and systematic establishment of responsible geological exploration, use and protection of subsoil in the republic based on modern standards.
After active discussions, the Law was approved by senators.
