Uzbekistan enacts revised law on subsoil resources to attract investment and ensure sustainable use

Under the new law, subsoil resources, including all minerals found within, remain the property of the state, regardless of land or water rights. The legislation prohibits the sale, gifting, inheritance, or collateralization of subsoil resources, allowing only the transfer of usage rights as authorized by law.

Several government bodies will oversee the implementation of this policy, including the Ministry of Mining and Geology, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Inspectorate for Mining and Geology Oversight, and the Subsoil Use Center, along with local executive authorities.

First introduced by Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov in November 2023, the revised law aims to offer greater transparency for investors, specifying their obligations and clarifying the regulatory framework. According to Islamov, the law is structured to “demonstrate opportunities for investors while outlining their commitments and the operational guidelines.”

A key feature of the legislation is the establishment of a “one-stop shop” for subsoil use permits, aimed at streamlining the licensing process. It also refines regulations related to geological data ownership and data sharing, improving access to critical information for both the government and investors.

The new law grants license holders the ability to transfer, sell, or pledge their subsoil usage rights under the supervision of an authorized body. Detailed rights and responsibilities for users of subsoil resources are outlined, with provisions for environmental safety standards in exploration and resource development.