Procedure for Issuing Permits for Subsoil Use in Uzbekistan

Publication date: 08.08.2025

Subsoil is a strategic national resource, and its use is regulated by special normative acts. In Uzbekistan, the procedure for granting the right to use subsoil plots has been significantly reformed in order to simplify administrative procedures, digitize processes, and create transparent conditions for investors.

The main regulatory act is Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 133 dated March 25, 2022, which approved the Regulation on the Procedure for Issuing Permits for Subsoil Use. The document details the types of permits, the authorities authorized to issue them, the conditions and terms of validity, as well as the specifics of electronic auctions through the "E-auksion" system.

Types of Permits and Purposes of Use

Permits for subsoil use are issued for various purposes:

Geological exploration – search, evaluation, and prospecting of mineral resources;
Extraction of minerals – industrial development of deposits;
Use of man-made mineral formations – processing of mining industry waste;
Construction and operation of underground facilities unrelated to extraction, including storage of hydrocarbons and waste disposal;
Creation of protected geological sites;
Collection of collectible materials – rare minerals, paleontological finds, etc.

Authorized Bodies

The issuance of permits is carried out by two main authorities:

The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology through the Subsoil Use Center – for most types of use;
The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change – for permits related to construction of underground facilities for storage or disposal of waste.

Mechanisms for Granting Permits

Permits may be issued:

Through electronic auctions on the "E-auksion" platform;
Based on tenders (competitive bidding);
On a "first come, first served" basis (including direct negotiations with the authorized body).

An additional benefit for the investor is the "absolute right" – if a company conducts exploration at its own expense and proves reserves, it receives a priority right to obtain a permit for extraction within one year from the date the reserves are approved.

Conditions of Use

Each permit is accompanied by user obligations, including:

Fulfillment of the minimum scope of work and investments;
Compliance with environmental requirements, including a positive conclusion of the state environmental expertise;
Payment of annual license fees, depending on the area of the plot and the type of minerals;
Submission of reports on extraction and geological exploration works;
Ensuring industrial and environmental safety.

Terms of Permits

Geological exploration – up to 5 years;
Extraction and use of man-made formations – up to 10 years (with possible extension based on feasibility studies);
Collection of collectible materials – up to 2 years;
Underground facilities and protected sites – perpetual.

Electronic Auctions "E-auksion"

The auction is a key tool for allocating plots with high commercial potential. The procedure includes:

Formation of a list of plots and coordination with sectoral departments;
Establishment of the starting price (fixed rates in base calculation units for exploration or a percentage of the estimated value of extraction for exploitation);
Conclusion of an agreement with the winner and provision of a full package of geological data.

Financial Aspects

Subsoil users are obliged to pay:

Annual license fee – a percentage of the base calculation value per hectare depending on the type of minerals (10% for ore, 15% for non-ore);
Taxes and other charges in accordance with the Tax Code;
Compensation for land withdrawal for state needs.

Termination or Suspension of Rights

A permit may be restricted, suspended, or revoked in case of violation of conditions, failure to meet obligations, threats to environmental or industrial safety. Temporary conservation of a deposit is also allowed upon notification of the authorized body.

The modern system of granting subsoil use permits in Uzbekistan is aimed at balancing the interests of the state and investors: transparent resource allocation, environmental protection, and stimulation of geological exploration. Full digitalization of processes and transition to electronic auctions significantly reduce bureaucratic barriers and create competitive conditions for business.

Requirements and conditions for subsoil use permit holders

No.	Type of Subsoil Use	Main Requirements	Environmental Conditions	Financial Obligations	Term	Other Conditions
1	Geological exploration	- Submission of a preliminary Feasibility Study (term specified in permit); - Minimum investment volume; - Work plan approved by the Subsoil Use Center	- Positive conclusion of state environmental expertise (Ecology, Art. 29 a)); - Liquidation/conservation of workings and wells after completion	- Annual license fee: 10% of BCU/ha (Art. 29 a)); - Payment for land allocation preparation services	Up to 5 years (Art. 32 a))	- Submission of reports; - Transfer of geodata to the state fund
2	Extraction of minerals	- Feasibility study and mining project; - Minimum investment volume; - Permits for operation of hazardous facilities	- Positive conclusion of state environmental expertise (Art. 29 b)); - Measures to prevent pollution	- License fee as % of extraction value or fixed rate (Art. 37 b)); - Taxes under Tax Code	Up to 10 years (extendable) (Art. 32 b))	- Local content of works and services; - Training of local personnel; - Transfer of rights with consent
3	Use of man-made mineral formations	- Ownership/transfer right for waste; - Processing project	- Environmental expertise (Art. 29 b)); - Waste control system	- License payment; - Taxes	Up to 10 years (Art. 32 b))	- May be obtained on "first come, first served" basis
4	Underground facilities unrelated to extraction	- Construction project; - Positive environmental and geological conclusions	- Determination of permissible storage/disposal volumes (Art. 29 v)); - Sanitary protection zones	- License payment; - Taxes	Perpetual (Art. 32 g))	- Compensation for possible environmental damage
5	Creation of protected geological sites	- Decision to grant protection status	- Compliance with protection regime	- Exempt from license fees	Perpetual (Art. 32 d))	- Scientific, educational, or tourist purposes
6	Collection of collectible materials	- Purpose: scientific, educational, cultural; - No mining works	- No violation of subsoil integrity	- License payment (if required)	Up to 2 years (Art. 32 v))	- Ban on collecting samples containing precious metals/gems without a separate permit

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT FOR GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

№	Stage	Action	Responsible Authorities	Documents & Requirements	Deadlines & Notes
1	Definition of Project Parameters	Define the purpose of works, plot, type of minerals, method of obtaining the right (auction or first-come-first-served)	Applicant	Preliminary plot selection, check in the State Subsoil Cadastre	For strategic and explored plots — auction
2	Preparation of Document Package	Prepare application, attach founding documents, plot map, preliminary feasibility study, work plan, draft application for environmental expertise	Applicant	All documents in state language, electronic format	For underground facilities — separate projects
3	Submission of Application	Submit via “License” portal, EPIGU or “E-auksion”	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center under Ministry of Geology	Electronic registration and submission	For auction — submit within bidding deadlines
4	Auction / Direct Consideration	Participate in auction if plot is listed; if little explored — first-come-first-served review	Subsoil Use Center, “E-auksion”	Guarantee deposit (for auction), participation in bidding	Winner receives auction protocol
5	Obtaining Expert Opinions	Obtain positive state environmental expertise and state expertise of geological materials	Ministry of Ecology, Ministry of Geology	Document package and work project	Mandatory condition before permit issuance
6	Land Lease Agreement	Conclude lease agreement for land plot (free of rent)	Local khokimiyat, Subsoil Use Center	Agreement included in permit conditions	Serves as legal ground for land use
7	Permit Issuance	Receive document indicating plot boundaries, validity (up to 5 years), work conditions	Subsoil Use Center	Work conditions, investment obligations	Permit is official document to start works
8	Payment of License Fees	Pay annual fee per hectare (10% of BCV)	Applicant, Ministry of Finance	Payment documents	70% — to republican budget, 15% — to regional, 15% — to district/city; payment before Feb 1
9	Work Execution	Carry out exploration according to plan, comply with permit conditions	Applicant	Feasibility study, plans, compliance with environmental safety	Minimum investment commitments mandatory
10	Reporting	Submit geological and quarterly reports, transfer geodata to state fund	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Reports in established forms	Monitoring compliance with conditions
11	Completion of Works	Conduct reclamation and conservation, agree on closure plan	Applicant, Ministry of Ecology	Reclamation plan, completion report	All materials transferred to the state
12	Extension or Termination	Submit application for extension (if obligations fulfilled) or terminate works	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Confirmation of obligations fulfillment	Application filed 60 days before permit expiry

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION

№	Stage	Action	Responsible Authorities	Documents & Requirements	Deadlines & Notes
1	Definition of Initial Conditions	Determine type of minerals (strategic or non-ore), select plot, method of obtaining right	Applicant	Preliminary selection, check in State Cadastre	For strategic resources — usually auction/competition
2	Preparation of Document Package	Application, founding documents, feasibility study, mining plan, plot map, industrial & environmental safety docs, draft eco-expertise application	Applicant	All documents in state language, electronic format	Additional approvals if required
3	Submission of Application	Submit via “License” portal, EPIGU or “E-auksion” (if bidding)	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Electronic registration and submission	Submit within bidding deadlines
4	Bidding / Direct Provision	Participate in auction/competition or obtain via “absolute right”	Subsoil Use Center, “E-auksion”	Guarantee deposit (for bidding), participation	Winner receives protocol
5	Obtaining Expert Opinions	Positive state eco-expertise and state geological expertise; for hydrocarbons — Ministry of Energy approval	Ministry of Ecology, Ministry of Geology, Ministry of Energy	Document package and work plan	Mandatory condition before permit issuance
6	Land Lease Agreement	Execution of rent-free lease agreement	Local khokimiyat, Subsoil Use Center	Agreement included in permit conditions	Legal basis for land use
7	Permit Issuance	Document indicating term (10 years), plot boundaries, extraction volumes, work conditions	Subsoil Use Center	Investment obligations, rules for associated components	Official document to begin extraction
8	Payment of Fees & Taxes	Payment of extraction rights fees, taxes, subsoil use payments	Applicant, Ministry of Finance	Payment documents	As per legislation
9	Extraction Works	Carry out extraction according to plan, fulfill investment obligations, comply with safety	Applicant	Feasibility study, mining plans, environmental measures	Control over industrial and ecological safety
10	Reporting	Quarterly & annual reports on extraction volumes, associated components, state of subsoil	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Reports in established forms	Transfer of data to competent authorities
11	Completion or Conservation	Mine closure/conservation, land reclamation, agree on closure plan	Applicant, Ministry of Ecology	Reclamation plan, completion report	Geological materials transferred to state fund
12	Extension or Termination	Application for extension (if obligations met) or termination	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Confirmation of obligations fulfillment	Application filed 60 days before expiry

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT FOR THE USE OF MAN-MADE MINERAL FORMATIONS (MMF)

№	Stage	Action	Responsible Authorities	Documents & Requirements	Deadlines & Notes
1	Determining Initial Conditions	Confirm that object qualifies as MMF (mining waste, tailings, etc.), clarify legal status	Applicant	Check in state cadastre, owner data	If object has another user — rights transfer required
2	Choosing Acquisition Method	Choose procedure: auction/competition or direct grant (first-come-first-served)	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Direct grant possible only if no owner or via rights transfer agreement	Auction requires registration on “E-auksion”
3	Preparation of Document Package	Application, founding documents, proof of rights to MMF (if any), processing feasibility study, object map, work plan, draft eco-expertise application	Applicant	All documents in state language, electronic format	Additional industrial safety approvals if needed
4	Submission of Application	Through “License” portal, EPIGU or “E-auksion” (if bidding)	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Electronic registration and submission	Submit within bidding deadlines
5	Bidding or Direct Grant	Auction/competition to determine winner; direct grant — review of application and transfer of rights	Subsoil Use Center, “E-auksion”	Auction protocol or rights transfer agreement	Winner gets protocol; direct — official decision
6	Obtaining Expert Opinions	State environmental expertise, state geological expertise	Ministry of Ecology, Ministry of Geology	Document package and work plan	Mandatory before permit issuance
7	Land Lease (if required)	Conclusion of rent-free land lease agreement	Local khokimiyat, Subsoil Use Center	Agreement included in permit conditions	Only if land is needed for processing site
8	Permit Issuance	Document indicating term (up to 10 years), processing conditions, environmental & technical requirements, financial obligations	Subsoil Use Center	Investment commitments, processing rules	Gives official right to use MMF
9	Financial Obligations	Payment of license fee, taxes, subsoil use fees (if applicable)	Applicant, Ministry of Finance	Payment documents	As per law
10	Processing Works	Processing of MMF using approved technology, compliance with safety	Applicant	Feasibility study, work plan, environmental measures	Investment commitments mandatory
11	Reporting	Quarterly & annual reports on processing, extracted components, environmental measures	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Reports in established forms	Transfer of data to competent authorities
12	Completion of Works	Liquidation/conservation of processing facilities, land reclamation, data transfer	Applicant, Ministry of Ecology	Reclamation plan, completion report	All data transferred to state fund
13	Extension or Termination	Application for extension or termination	Applicant, Subsoil Use Center	Confirmation of obligations fulfillment	Application filed 60 days before expiry