Procedure for Granting Mining Allotments for the Extraction of Mineral Deposits in Uzbekistan

The development of mineral deposits is a strategically important sector of Uzbekistan’s economy, requiring strict compliance with environmental, technical, and legal standards. One of the key instruments of state control in this field is the mining allotment, which is formalized by an official act — the Mining Allotment Act.

A mining allotment is a geometrically defined section of the subsoil granted to a user for the industrial extraction of minerals. Exploitation of the deposit without such an allotment is prohibited. The procedure for granting mining allotments in Uzbekistan is established by a special Regulation approved by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Purpose of the Mining Allotment

A mining allotment is not just a formality. It serves several important functions:

• Legal — confirms the lawful right to develop the deposit.
• Technical — defines the boundaries and depth of the work area.
• Environmental — includes measures for subsoil and environmental protection.
• Economic — ensures rational and integrated use of mineral resources.

Who Can Obtain a Mining Allotment

The right to receive a mining allotment is granted to:

• Legal entities of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
• Foreign legal entities,
• Individuals, including foreign citizens and stateless persons — provided they hold a valid license for subsoil use.

Stages of Obtaining a Mining Allotment

The procedure for obtaining a mining allotment consists of several mandatory steps.

1. Preparation of Project Documentation

The project includes:

• An explanatory note justifying the need for the allotment, describing the geology of the deposit, reserves, and extraction conditions.
• Drawings and maps: topographic plan, geological maps, cross-sections, deposit contours, and coordinates of the corner points of the site.

2. Submission of the Application

The application is submitted to the Inspectorate for Supervision of Mining and Geological Activities under the State Committee on Geology through the “License” information system.

Two copies of the project and the necessary attachments must be submitted.

3. Review and Approval

The Inspectorate reviews the documents within 10 working days, checks the correctness of the boundaries, completeness of project solutions, and compliance with legal requirements.

If approved, an act with a QR code is issued within 2 working days.

4. Registration

Information on issued mining allotments is entered into an electronic register, ensuring transparency of the procedure.

Special Conditions and Restrictions

• Integrated deposits must be developed within a single mining allotment.
• In exceptional cases, separate sections of a deposit may be granted to several users.
• Work in areas with special conditions (protected natural areas, sanitary zones, cultural heritage sites) requires additional approval.
• Unauthorized extraction or work outside the allotment boundaries is strictly prohibited and will result in suspension of operations without compensation for expenses.

When a Mining Allotment Ceases to Be Valid

The right to use the subsoil may be terminated, suspended, or limited in cases of:

• Violation of license conditions,
• Non-compliance with subsoil protection and work safety standards,
• Threats to environmental or technogenic safety.

Liability of the Subsoil User

The head of the enterprise bears personal responsibility for:

• Timely execution of the mining allotment,
• Compliance with the conditions of its issuance,
• Fulfillment of environmental and technical requirements.

Control is exercised by the Inspectorate for Supervision of Mining and Geological Activities, which has the right to initiate revocation of the allotment and license in the event of serious violations.

A mining allotment is not only a legal document but also an essential tool for ensuring rational mineral extraction. Its proper preparation and strict adherence to procedures protect the interests of society and allow the subsoil user to operate legally.

Requirements and Conditions for Obtaining a Mining Allotment for Mineral Deposit Development

Category	Requirements / Conditions	Comment
Legal status of applicant	- Legal entities of the Republic of Uzbekistan; - Foreign legal entities; - Individuals (including foreign citizens and stateless persons).	Possession of a subsoil use license is mandatory.
Grounds for issuance	1. Approved reserves by GKZ; 2. Project for construction/reconstruction/expansion of the enterprise; 3. Compliance with license objectives.	Reserves must be industrially significant and officially approved.
Documents	- Application to the Inspectorate via the “License” system; - Mining allotment project in 2 copies; - Explanatory note; - Graphic materials (topographic plan, geological maps, cross-sections); - If necessary — approvals from local authorities, State Ecology Committee, etc.	The document package is established in the annexes to the Regulation.
Contents of the explanatory note	- Purpose of the allotment; - Information about the project organization; - Description of location and boundaries; - Geological characteristics; - Reserve data (volume, category, quality, composition); - Justification of boundaries; - Measures for integrated use of raw materials.	Inclusion of this data is a mandatory condition for acceptance of the application.
Graphic materials	- Topographic plan (scale ≥ 1:5000); - Geological maps and cross-sections; - Deposit contours and coordinates of corner points; - Protection zones.	For large areas, a scale of up to 1:25000 is allowed.
Technical conditions	- Boundaries based on approved reserves; - It is prohibited to leave mineable areas outside the allotment; - For oil and gas — boundaries are based on reserves A+B+C1 (and C2 for small reserves); - For coal — all seams must be considered.	Determined by GKZ with regard to safe mining operations.
Validity period	- Indefinite; - Fixed-term (according to the license, for oil and gas ≤ 5 years); - Possibility of extension.	Upon extension, only the entries in the act and topographic plan are re-registered.
Prohibitions	- Extraction without a mining allotment; - Transfer of the allotment right to other persons; - Changing boundaries without approval of new documentation; - Carrying out works without a positive conclusion of the state environmental expertise.	Violations result in revocation of the act and license.
Environmental requirements	- Positive conclusion of the state environmental expertise; - Measures for environmental protection; - Land reclamation; - Approval of works in protected zones.	Work without these measures is prohibited.
Special conditions	- In case of joint development by several users — coordination of the procedure and sequence of works; - For pilot-industrial works (except oil and gas), an allotment may not be required, but the term ≤ 5 years under a separate project.	Applied in exceptional cases.