{"id":139702,"date":"2026-04-21T13:27:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:27:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=139702"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:27:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:27:47","slug":"uzbekistan-mining","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/uzbekistan-mining\/","title":{"rendered":"Uzbekistan: Mining"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-139702","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-mining","jurisdictions-uzbekistan"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Azizov Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/04\/Logo-3.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Azizov Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/04\/Logo-3.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Mining laws and regulations applicable in Uzbekistan<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Legal framework for mining<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Republic of Uzbekistan possesses significant industrial and mineral resources. The current level of mineral exploration is linked to the development of the richest deposits of precious, non-ferrous, and rare metals, as well as all types of organic fuels\u2014oil, natural gas, and gas condensate\u2014brown and semi-coking coal, oil shale, uranium, and many types of raw materials for construction materials.<\/p>\n<p>A wide range of mineral resources has been identified on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, including about 100 types of mineral raw materials, 60 of which are already being used in the national economy.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of proven reserves of minerals such as gold, uranium, copper, natural gas, tungsten, potash salts, phosphates, and kaolins, Uzbekistan ranks among the leaders not only in the CIS but also worldwide. For example, the republic ranks fourth in the world in gold reserves and seventh in gold production; tenth to eleventh in copper reserves; seventh to eighth in uranium reserves; and eleventh to twelfth in uranium production.<\/p>\n<p>The legal framework establishes that the subsoil and all naturally occurring minerals are the exclusive property of the Republic of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>The state regulates the use of these resources through a system of permits and oversight by specialized government bodies.<\/p>\n<p>The state policy is implemented by several key bodies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cabinet of Ministers:<\/strong> Ensures unified state policy and manages subsoil as state property.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology:<\/strong> Coordinates the sector and organizes state control.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Center for Subsoil Use:<\/strong> Issues permits and manages the public database of subsoil information.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inspection for Control in Mining and Geology:<\/strong> Oversees safety and compliance with mining regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The state regulates mining industry and geological study via presidential decrees, government resolutions and sector-specific laws.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan is a civil law jurisdiction. Uzbekistan is a member of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the New York Convention).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction have a critical or strategic minerals policy? If so, please provide a brief description.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Based on provided legal framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the jurisdiction has established a comprehensive policy for the management, classification, and strategic development of its mineral resource base, specifically focusing on &#8220;main types&#8221; of minerals which include metallic (ore) and energy resources.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation classifies minerals based on their economic significance and provides a structured approach to their development through state programs. Minerals are divided into &#8220;main&#8221; and &#8220;non-metallic&#8221; types. Main types include all ore minerals (metals such as gold, copper, lithium, rare earth metals, tungsten, etc.) and hydrocarbons. The Cabinet of Ministers is mandated to approve long-term and medium-term state programs for the development and reproduction of the mineral raw material base. The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology is responsible for forming and implementing annual state programs to ensure the growth of these mineral resources.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan&#8217;s policy treats &#8220;main types of minerals&#8221; as strategic assets under exclusive state ownership. All minerals in their natural state are the state property, regardless of land ownership. The state policy focuses on regulating investments in the mining sector and ensuring &#8220;rational use&#8221; to support sustainable economic development. For the extraction of the &#8220;main types of solid minerals,&#8221; the law imposes specific obligations regarding the minimum share of local content in works and services, as well as mandatory funding for training local personnel.<\/p>\n<p>The policy also covers technogenic mineral formations (tailings\/waste), which are considered a part of the subsoil plot and can be granted for processing. A core principle of the policy is ensuring ecological safety and the use of environmentally safe methods during extraction.<\/p>\n<p>The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan &#8220;On Measures to Further Stimulate Geological Exploration and Improve the Taxation of Subsoil Users&#8221; (No. UP-6319 dated October 6, 2021) established, effective January 1, 2022, a special procedure for holding competitive bidding for geological exploration of the subsoil or the extraction of minerals on explored subsoil sites with significant commercial potential:<\/p>\n<p>1) the sale price is considered as the bonus for the right to use the subsoil;<\/p>\n<p>2) increased rates of certain taxes may be applied for the extraction of minerals;<\/p>\n<p>3) the commercial discovery bonus for the right to extract minerals is abolished;<\/p>\n<p>4) the signature bonus for the right to carry out activities to prospect for and explore minerals is abolished;<\/p>\n<p>5) land plots for geological exploration and survey work are not subject to land tax;<\/p>\n<p>6) an annual license fee is introduced for the use of subsoil for geological exploration, calculated based on the allocated area and types of minerals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does the government in your jurisdiction provide state support for the mining industry (whether in your jurisdiction or abroad), for example by way of grants, loans, revenue support mechanisms or tax incentives?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The mining industry in Uzbekistan benefits from a multi-layered support system. First of all, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan &#8220;On Investments and Investment Activity&#8221; No. 598 dated 25 December 2019 (the \u201c<strong>Law on Investments<\/strong>\u201d) sets out general incentives regime for investments in all sectors of the economy. The Law on Investments establishes a framework for state support including tax benefits, subsidizing interest rates on loans, and providing &#8220;investment tax credits&#8221; which allow investors to reduce tax payments with subsequent gradual repayment. Furthermore, the government can provide &#8220;investment subsidies&#8221; to ensure necessary engineering and communication conditions (infrastructure) for investment projects (Articles 34, 35 and 36).<\/p>\n<p>Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 6319 dated 6 October 2021 provides specific tax and financial incentives for the mining sector:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tax Exemptions:<\/strong> Land plots allocated for geological exploration are not subject to land tax for legal entities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Customs Incentives:<\/strong> Entities performing geological exploration are exempt from periodic customs payments for the temporary import of special equipment and from customs duties on the import of equipment and resources not produced in Uzbekistan.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Revenue\/Export Support:<\/strong> A zero percent excise tax rate is established for the export of natural gas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>VAT Refund:<\/strong> An accelerated VAT refund process is established for legal entities conducting geological exploration (no later than 30 days).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 5239 dated 31 August 2021 specifically supports the mining of materials for the construction industry:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Profit Tax:<\/strong> Reduced from 20% to 15% for cement (clinker) producers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Subsoil Use Tax:<\/strong> The tax rate for limestone used for cement production was reduced by half to 22,500 soums per ton.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any restrictions on foreign investment into the metals and mining [sector\/value chain]? If so, briefly outline the regime, including:  -\tWhich types of investments, investors, and transactions are subject to the restrictions? -\tDoes the acquisition of minority interests fall within the scope of the restrictions? -\tDo the restrictions apply to asset acquisitions? -\tAre there any pending proposals to amend the foreign investment review policy or related legislation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In general, there are no restrictions on foreign investment into the metals and mining. However, the companies with foreign investments must comply with certain local content and personnel requirement (see response to Question 8 below). It should also be noted that for foreign companies conducting exploration on an exclusive basis in the oil and gas sector, the total duration of search and exploration works cannot exceed 5 years (with a possible 3-year extension for specific areas).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any restrictions on foreign investors repatriating their capital, profits, interest, dividends, or other related returns from mining investments in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with Article 17 of the Law on Investments, investors are guaranteed the free transfer of funds in foreign currency into and out of the Republic of Uzbekistan without any restrictions, provided they have paid all required taxes and payments. This includes currency conversion for repatriation.<\/p>\n<p>Article 17 of the Law on Investments further specifies that the state may suspend the repatriation of funds only under non-discriminatory conditions in the following specific cases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>insolvency (bankruptcy) of the enterprise with foreign investment;<\/li>\n<li>violation of the rights of creditors;<\/li>\n<li>criminal offenses or administrative violations committed by a foreign investor who is a natural person;<\/li>\n<li>necessity to suspend repatriation in accordance with a court or arbitration decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The general law applies to all sectors and there are no specific restrictions for mining sector.<\/p>\n<p>A system of export control exists for goods, equipment, and scientific information that could contribute to the creation of weapons of mass destruction or military equipment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any restrictions on exports of any minerals and metals from your jurisdiction (for example, a ban on export of raw materials or government licenses or quotas required for the export of minerals)? Are there any local beneficiation requirements?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Republic of Uzbekistan maintains several restrictions, licensing requirements, and specific procedures for the export of minerals and metals. These regulations are currently undergoing significant reforms to align with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards. The export of specific types of goods can only be carried out after obtaining a license. The Cabinet of Ministers is authorized to establish a list of goods subject to licensing and may also impose quantitative restrictions (quotas).<\/p>\n<p>The export of the following minerals and metals can be carried only after obtaining specific license:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>uranium and other radioactive materials, and items made from them, radioactive material waste;<\/li>\n<li>precious metals and other items made from them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Certain state-owned companies have (or had) exclusive rights to import certain minerals and metals from Uzbekistan. However, such exclusive rights have been (or are going to be) abolished recently. Examples include:<\/p>\n<p>Starting from 1 January 2025, the exclusive rights of AO &#8220;Uzmetkombinat&#8221; and AO &#8220;Uzvtortsvetmet&#8221; to procure and export scrap and waste of ferrous and non-ferrous metals are abolished. Instead, a licensing procedure for the procurement, processing, and sale of such scrap will be introduced;<\/p>\n<p>Starting from 1 January 2026, restrictions on the export of cathode copper and copper wire rod purchased at exchange (birch) trades will be abolished. However, specific conditions apply: the standard discounts and payment deferral benefits provided to domestic entities will not apply to copper purchased specifically for export;<\/p>\n<p>Starting from 1 January 2025, the exclusive right of &#8220;Uzkimyoimpeks&#8221; LLC to export chemical products of &#8220;Uzkimyosanoat&#8221; organizations is abolished;<\/p>\n<p>Starting from 1 July 2026, the exclusive rights for &#8220;UzGasTrade&#8221; and &#8220;Uzenergosotish&#8221; regarding the centralized export\/import of gas and electricity will be abolished.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any tariffs imposed by the government in your jurisdiction on export or import of minerals and metals out of or into your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Starting from July 1, 2025, the government has introduced specific export customs duty rates for certain raw materials and minerals. Relevant examples from the approved list include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Natural Gas (HS Code 2711 21 000 0):<\/strong> 20% of the customs value.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sulfur of all kinds (HS Code 2503 00):<\/strong> 100% of the customs value (excluding sublimated, precipitated, and colloidal sulfur).<\/li>\n<li><strong>waste and scrap of metals (such as aluminium, lead, cobalt, zinc, tin, etc.)<\/strong>: 100% of the customs value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 3818 dated 29 June 2018 approves the Import customs duty rates for the goods which are imported into Uzbekistan, which among others include certain minerals and metals. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Copper:<\/strong> Copper powders and flakes (7406) are at 0%, but copper bars, profiles, wire, plates, and sheets (7407-7410) are subject to a 5% duty. Copper tubes, fittings, and cables (7411-7413) are subject to 10%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nickel:<\/strong> Most nickel products, including raw nickel and waste (7501-7508), currently have a 0% duty rate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aluminum:<\/strong> Raw aluminum and waste (7601-7603) are at 0%. However, aluminum wire (7605) and plates\/sheets (7606) are subject to 5%. Specific aluminum profiles (7604) can be taxed at 10%, but not less than 0.5 USD per kg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any government or local party requirements for any type of project across the metals and mining value chain in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with Article 157 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan \u201cOn Subsoil\u201d (the \u201c<strong>Law on Subsoil<\/strong>\u201d), subsoil users and their contractors must give preference to goods, materials, and equipment produced in Uzbekistan, and services provided by local physical and legal entities, provided they are competitive in price, quality, and delivery terms. Moreover, Article 155 of the Law on Subsoil establishes mandatory local content requirements for personnel:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>100% of the non-qualified workforce must be citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and<\/li>\n<li>foreign citizens in leadership and specialist roles must not exceed 20% of the total number for each category.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan \u201cOn Product Sharing Agreements\u201d also specifies the following local party requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Local Contractors: <\/strong>Legal entities of the Republic of Uzbekistan must be given priority rights to participate in works as contractors, suppliers, or carriers under equal conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Workforce Quota: <\/strong>At least 80% of the total attracted personnel (on an average annual basis) must be citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Foreign workers beyond this quota can only be hired if local specialists with the required qualifications are unavailable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline the legal nature of the mining rights and who owns them.  Can foreign investors own mining assets \u2013 or are JVs with local entities required?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Generally, in accordance with Article 6 of the Law on Subsoil, subsoil and all minerals naturally occurring within it are the exclusive state property of the Republic of Uzbekistan. However, the state grants the right to use a subsoil plot (e.g. exploration, extraction) to business entities on the basis of a permit document (the \u201c<strong>Permit\u201d<\/strong>). The Permit certifies the right of its owner to use a subsoil plot within specific boundaries for a specified period and determines the conditions for the use of subsoil plots. According to Article 7 of the Law on Subsoil, the right to use the subsoil and the ownership of the extracted minerals belong to the Permit holder.<\/p>\n<p>The Permit can be granted to any local business entity that meets certain requirements provided by the Law on Subsoil. It should be noted that foreign investors can own mining rights through their subsidiaries established in Uzbekistan. Such subsidiaries can be wholly owned by foreign investors, and generally, the Law on Subsoil does not require foreign investors to form JVs with local entities to obtain the Permit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline the land tenure in the mining context, e.g.  -\tis the mining tenure separate from land tenure? -\tthe surface land owners\u2019 rights and obligations vis-\u00e0-vis the rights of the owner of the minerals sitting under the surface land (access, compensation etc).<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As per Article 31 of the Law on Subsoil, the Permit does not grant the subsoil user any ownership rights to the land. Thus, under Uzbek law, mining tenure and land tenure are legally separate. Usually, a land is provided to the subsoil user on the basis of a land lease agreement for mining activities. Simultaneously with the issuance of the Permit, a land lease agreement is concluded between the state authority and the subsoil user. This lease is considered an integral part of the subsoil use conditions. It should be noted that a land is leased to the subsoil user for the validity period of the Permit.<\/p>\n<p>For geological studies in open areas, land is generally not withdrawn. Instead, work is carried out based on the Permit and local authority decisions, though a servitude may be established with the landowner.<\/p>\n<p>Landowners or users are entitled to full compensation for the withdrawal of their land. Local authorities must agree on the amount and terms of compensation with the affected party, which includes reimbursement for all losses and lost profits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline regime for granting exploration rights, including:  -\tscope of the licence\/permit\/concession  -\ttypical term and extension rights  -\tprocess \/ steps to acquire exploration rights  -\tobligations of the licence\/permit\/concession holder  -\ttransition from exploration rights to mining rights -\ttypical timelines and costs for applications<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The permit for geological exploration grants the exclusive right to conduct geological study, construct temporary industrial and social facilities necessary for the performance of work within the allocated land plots, carry out experimental-industrial extraction to evaluate quality and processing technologies.<\/p>\n<p>A permit for geological exploration of solid minerals is issued for a period of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>for the main type of minerals (as defined in the Law on Subsoil) \u2013 up to five years;<\/li>\n<li>for non-ore minerals \u2013 up to two years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The validity period of the permit for geological exploration of the main solid minerals may be extended upon application by the subsoil user twice for four years, while the validity period of the permit for geological exploration of non-ore minerals may be extended twice for two years.<\/p>\n<p>The Center for the use of subsoil under the Ministry of mining industry and geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan (the <strong>\u201cCenter\u201d<\/strong>) is the authorized state body to issue the permit for geological exploration. Usually, the permit for geological exploration can be obtained by direct application based on the &#8220;first-come, first-served&#8221; principle. In specific investment projects, the permit for geological exploration may be issued in accordance with acts of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan or the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>In order to obtain the permit for geological exploration, an applicant applies to the Centre through the information system &#8220;License&#8221; or &#8220;Unified portal of interactive public services. The fee for the consideration of the application is 1\u00a0648\u00a0000 UZS (about 135 US dollars). After the application is received, it may take 20-30 days to review the application and make a decision on issuing the Permit.<\/p>\n<p>The general obligations of the permit holders for geological explorations are provided by Article 47 of the Law on Subsoil. In particular, the permit holder for geological exploration is obliged to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>commence activities within thirty days from the date of approval of the geological survey project and receipt of a positive conclusion from the environmental review;<\/li>\n<li>ensure that geological exploration work complies with all applicable rules and regulations and good mining practice;<\/li>\n<li>ensure that the geological survey work complies with the current geological survey project;<\/li>\n<li>comply with the annual minimum expenses;<\/li>\n<li>to submit an annual report to the Center on the fulfillment of obligations stipulated in the geological exploration permit; and<\/li>\n<li>comply with the procedure for the liquidation and closure of mining facilities and underground structures not related to the extraction of minerals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A subsoil user who financed the exploration has an exclusive right to obtain mining permit for the discovered deposit. This right must be exercised within 1 year from the date the reserves are confirmed by the State Commission on Mineral Reserves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline the regime for granting mining rights, including:  -\tscope of the licence\/permit\/concession  -\ttypical term and extension rights  -\tsteps to acquire mining rights  -\tobligations of the licence\/permit\/concession holder<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A permit for extraction of solid minerals grants the exclusive right to extract minerals, process, store, transport, sell and (or) export solid minerals specified in the mining permit. Additionally, the holder of mining permit is entitled to conduct additional geological studies, carry out the construction of a mine, the erection of permanent structures and the installation of equipment necessary for the extraction, processing, storage and shipment of extracted minerals and carry out construction of infrastructure for the delivery of extracted minerals from the mine to points of sale.<\/p>\n<p>As per Article 54 of the Law on Subsoil, the validity period of a permit for the extraction of minerals may not exceed twenty-five years from the date of issue of the permit. The validity period of a permit for the extraction of minerals may be extended multiple times upon application by the subsoil user for a period not exceeding the initial validity period of the permit<\/p>\n<p>The Center is the authorized state body to issue the permit for geological exploration. Permits for the extraction of solid minerals may be issued through an auction or tender for deposits determined by Center. In special cases related to the development of the country, a permit for the extraction of solid minerals may be issued in accordance with acts of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan or the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>In order to obtain the permit for extraction of minerals, an applicant applies to the Centre through the information system &#8220;License&#8221; or &#8220;Unified portal of interactive public services. The fee for the consideration of the application is 1\u00a0648\u00a0000 UZS (about 135 US dollars). The initial review of the application is carried out by the Center within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the application. When reviewing an application, the Center shall consider the financial, professional and technical capabilities and abilities of the applicant to carry out the proposed activity for the extraction of solid minerals, as well as the technical and operational aspects of the deposit development project or feasibility study for completeness.<\/p>\n<p>The general obligations of the permit holders for extraction of minerals are provided by Article 59 of the Law on Subsoil. In particular, the permit holder for extraction of minerals is obliged to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>commence mining activities within three years for the main types of solid minerals and one year for non-ore minerals, from the date of issue of the permit;<\/li>\n<li>ensure that all types of mining activities, including production technology, comply with all applicable standards and regulations, as well as good mining practice;<\/li>\n<li>submit to the Center an updated project for the development of a deposit for the main types of minerals annually;<\/li>\n<li>maintain reliable records of extracted minerals and industrial waste generated during the production process;<\/li>\n<li>submit reports to the Center on the extraction of minerals in a timely manner; and<\/li>\n<li>comply with environmental requirements when storing and disposing of production waste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline the royalties regime \u2013 i.e. any payments due to the government under any licenses and\/or leases described above.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, there are special taxes applicable to mining activities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>land tax for the use of land (lands allocated for geological surveying and study are exempted from the land tax);<\/li>\n<li>underground (subsoil) use tax for the extraction of minerals, depending on the volume of extracted mineral.<\/li>\n<li>special rent tax on extraction of minerals (the minimum tax rate is 25% applied to tax base) for the extraction of minerals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to Article 161 of the Law on Subsoil, in addition the subsoil use tax, the holders of the permit for geological explorations are required to pay an annual license fee. The amount of the license fee for the use of a subsoil plot for geological exploration is:<\/p>\n<p>1) ten percent of the basic calculated value (as of 3 April, 2026, the basic calculated value is about 34 US dollars) established by law for one hectare of subsoil area subject to geological exploration, by type of main minerals;<\/p>\n<p>2) fifteen percent of the basic calculated value established by law for one hectare of geological exploration of non-ore minerals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it possible to assign and\/or grant security over tenements in your jurisdiction? If so please briefly describe the process, including any regulatory requirements (e.g. approvals).<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As per Article 111 of the Law on Subsoil, a person holding a permit for geological exploration of the subsoil and for the extraction of minerals has the right to transfer his rights provided for by the permit, including providing them as collateral or other security to another person, if that person assumes obligations to fulfil the conditions stipulated in the permit. The subsoil user must notify the Center at least 30 days before the intended assignment, change of control, or granting of rights as security. The Center has 20 working days from the date of receipt of the information to notify the user of the approval or rejection of the new subsoil user. Approval is granted if the Center is satisfied that the new party (assignee or pledgee) is not disqualified under the Law on Subsoil and possesses the necessary financial and technical capabilities to fulfil the obligations under the permit.<\/p>\n<p>It should be noted that transfer of rights provided for in a permit for the main types of activities in the field of subsoil use, acquired as a result of an auction, is prohibited for two years from the date of issue of such permit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline any indigenous or local community rights relevant in the mining context, including implementation of FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) principles in your jurisdiction.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Law on Subsoil does not provide the principle of FPIC. However, the legislation of Uzbekistan mandates specific forms of approval and consultation with local representative bodies and assessments of impact on the local population. In particular, any infrastructure built by a subsoil user requires a plan. This plan must be submitted to the authorized body for approval only after obtaining the consent of citizens\u2019 self-government bodies (mahallas). In addition, subsoil users are required to identify any potential negative or harmful impacts on the health of the population living in or near the subsoil use area during the environmental expertise process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline the environmental protection regime applicable to the mining industry, including:  -\tWhat environmental impact assessments are required? -\tany requirements for rehabilitation bonds and guarantees -\tany mine closure obligations -\tconsequences for failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with Article 4 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan \u201cOn industrial safety of hazardous production facilities\u201d (\u201c<strong>the Law on Industrial safety of hazardous facilities<\/strong>\u201d), mining operations, the extraction and beneficiation of mineral deposits, as well as enterprises or their workshops that operate underground, sites, plots, and other production facilities, are classified as hazardous production facilities. In accordance with current legislation, special industrial safety regulations apply to this type of production facility.<\/p>\n<p>Here is environmental impact assessments required:<\/p>\n<table style=\"font-size: 1rem\" width=\"650\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\"><strong>No.<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><strong>Type of document\/ conclusion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\"><strong>Legal Basis \/ Justification<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">1.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Conclusion of public hearings on the issue of public support for the implementation of the project (I and II categories of environmental impact). <\/em>(For The procedure for Public Hearings, please see Annex No. 1 to the checklist below)<\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The conclusion of public hearings is obtained for the purposes of passing the State Environmental Expertise The obligation to obtain a conclusion of public hearings is prescribed in the Resolution No. 541 on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) paragraph 24(a): <em>Conclusion of public hearings on the issue of public support for the project of facilities of I and II categories of environmental impact, as well as proposals and objections received during the public hearings of the project.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan On environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment, dated 24.02.2025, No. 1036.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">2.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Conclusion of the State Environmental Expertise<\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">Environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment are carried out for the purposes of:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 establishing the compliance of the planned and (or) planned or implemented economic and other activities with environmental requirements at the stages preceding the decision on its implementation;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 determining the level of environmental hazard of the proposed and (or) planned or implemented economic and other activities that may have or are having a negative impact on the state of the environment and human health;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 prevention and reduction of the negative impact of planned and (or) envisaged or ongoing economic and other activities on the environment and human health;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 determining the sufficiency and validity of the planned measures for environmental protection and rational use of natural resources.<\/p>\n<p>Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan On environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment, dated 24.02.2025, No. 1036<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline if any specific health and safety regulations apply to the mining industry.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Here is the specific health and safety requirement apply to the mining industry.<\/p>\n<table style=\"font-size: 1rem\" width=\"650\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\"><strong>No.<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><strong>Type of document\/ conclusion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\"><strong>Legal Basis \/ Justification<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">1.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Declaration of Hazardous Production Facilities (HPF) <\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">Generally mining industry belonging to the first type of hazardous production facilities are subject to mandatory declaration.<\/p>\n<p>Article 19(2) of the Industrial safety Law: \u201c<em>In order to ensure the protection of the population and territories from accidents at hazardous production facilities and to inform state bodies, citizens&#8217; self-government bodies and the public about the state of industrial safety, an organization operating a hazardous production facility develops an industrial safety declaration.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>For hazardous production facilities where hazardous substances specified in paragraphs two, three and four of part 1 of Article 4 of this Law are produced, used, processed, formed, stored, transported, destroyed in quantities equal to or exceeding the limit norms established by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the development of an industrial safety declaration is mandatory.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>and the Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers No.271 dated 10.12.2008.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">2.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Examination of industrial safety of design documentation for construction, expansion, reconstruction, technical re-equipment, conservation and liquidation of a hazardous production facility.<\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">Article 8(1) of the Law On industrial safety of hazardous production facilities:<\/p>\n<p>Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers No.784 dated 03.10.2018.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">3.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Examination of industrial safety declaration of industrial safety and other documents related to the operation of a hazardous production facility.<\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">Article 15 of the Law On industrial safety of hazardous production facilities.<\/p>\n<p>Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers No.784 dated 03.10.2018.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">4.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Liability insurance for damage to life, health and (or) property of other persons and the environment <\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">Article 20 of the Industrial Safety Law: \u201c<em>Liability for causing harm to life, health and (or) property of other persons and the environment in case of an accident at a hazardous production facility (\u201c<strong>HPF<\/strong>\u201d) shall be subject to compulsory insurance in accordance with the procedure established by law.<\/em>\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"33\">5.<\/td>\n<td width=\"264\"><em>Conclusion on the compliance of buildings (structures) and premises with fire safety requirements<\/em><\/td>\n<td width=\"354\">\u00b7 As specified in the Article 10 of the Law of Fire Safety, organizations shall comply with fire safety requirements.<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7 According to the Resolution on Fire Safety Rules the compliance of buildings (structures) and premises with fire safety requirements is confirmed by obtaining this Conclusion.<\/p>\n<p>\u00b7\u00a0 Resolution on Issuing Conclusions establishes the procedure for issuing the Conclusion.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>In addition, in each manufacturing organization (including solar pants) with a staff of fifty or more employees, a labor protection service department or the position of a specialist with appropriate training in the field of labor protection should be appointed, in order to ensure compliance with labor protection requirements and exercise control over their implementation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly outline any obligations for disclosure of climate change risks applicable across the mining value chain in your jurisdiction. Please specify if there are any pending proposals to amend the applicable law to introduce or extend these obligations.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with item 22 of the Regulation On the procedure for applying compensation payments for environmental pollution and waste disposal in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 202 of April 12, 2022, accurate data based on state statistical reports, which are submitted by mining entities in the prescribed formats for nature conservation, must be provided.<\/p>\n<p>If the report is prepared in electronic form, it must be submitted to the electronic database of the regional ecology and environmental protection authorities, certified with an electronic digital signature. If in paper form, it must be prepared in two copies and submitted quarterly to the district (city) ecology and environmental protection department where the mining entity is located for calculation reconciliation and coordination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any decarbonisation obligations applicable to the market players across the mining value chain in your jurisdiction? Please specify if there are any pending proposals to amend the applicable law to introduce or extend these obligations.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with Uzbek legislation, the preparation of an environmental impact statement by the enterprise during the state ecological expert review process, and based on this statement, prior to the facility&#8217;s construction, commitments are established regarding the state of the environment, the expected ecological changes from its construction, and the measures planned to mitigate them, including but to limited to, decarbonisation obligations. These commitments are developed individually for each case, and enterprises must adhere to the built-in restrictions and special measures within them.<\/p>\n<p>In accordance with item 10 of the General technical regulations on environmental safety approved by \u00a0No. 95 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 18, 2020, if the enterprise causes the emission of CO2 gas into the environment, the mining facilities shall indicate in the statement above the annual targets for reducing the established norms, showing the indicators achieved for one or more of the planned environmental protection measures and the emissions of polluting substances. The enterprise must develop a plan to reduce the established norms for the generation and reduction of emissions and discharges of pollutants and wastewater, as well as production and consumption waste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any other relevant decarbonisation and climate change related laws and regulations in your jurisdiction  that could affect he market players across the mining value chain in your jurisdiction (e.g. carbon tax).<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no other decarbonisation and climate change related laws and regulations rather than overmentioned ones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any unusual taxes that apply specifically to entities carrying out mining activities (in addition to the usual income and corporate taxes and excluding any carbon taxes that (if any) will be covered in the section above).<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There no any unusual taxes that apply specifically to entities carrying out mining activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Other key regulatory and market developments<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan &#8220;On measures to implement the Long-Term Development Strategy for the Geology, Mining, Metallurgy, and Copper Processing Industries&#8221; (No. 498 dated August 4, 2021) established a project office for the development of the geological, mining, metallurgy, and copper processing industries under the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan (currently the Ministry of Economy and Finance). Its main objectives are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Defining, in collaboration with foreign consultants, strategic directions for geological exploration;<\/li>\n<li>Developing proposals for priority projects aimed at expanding the production and processing of copper, non-ferrous, rare, and precious metals;<\/li>\n<li>Developing a market for geological services;<\/li>\n<li>Commercializing scientific research in this area;<\/li>\n<li>Attracting qualified foreign personnel to the system;<\/li>\n<li>Harmonizing national environmental requirements with international standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan &#8220;On Additional Measures for the Development of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry and Related Industries&#8221; No. PP-5159 of June 24, 2021, defined the following key development areas for the mining and metallurgical industry and related industries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Creation of a copper industry cluster with a multi-tier value chain as an economic driver;<\/li>\n<li>Expanding geological exploration for copper, non-ferrous, rare earth, and rare metals;<\/li>\n<li>Developing geological science and the geological services market to provide the mining and metallurgical industry with a reliable resource base;<\/li>\n<li>Expanding the production of various types of mining and metallurgical machinery, equipment, and machinery;<\/li>\n<li>Radically improving the system of training and advanced training for personnel in the mining and metallurgical industry;<\/li>\n<li>Staffing existing production facilities with highly qualified foreign specialists; &#8211; Aligning national environmental requirements with international standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">6206<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/139702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}