The Parliament of Moldova adopted in the first reading the draft of the new Subsoil Code, harmonized with EU legislation
It is planned that the new edition of this document, which provides for the harmonization of national legislation with the legislation of the European Union by transposing a number of European directives, will contribute to a more efficient use and protection of subsoil resources in the country. The document provides for a more rational use of subsoil to meet the need for mineral raw materials, increase work safety and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The new Subsoil Code establishes requirements for the development of mineral deposits and primary processing of raw materials, including: the use of rational, environmentally friendly technologies; performing work in safe conditions for people, buildings and the environment; compliance with technological processing schemes, etc. According to the draft of the new Subsoil Code, activities in the subsoil sector will be possible on the basis of a subsoil use permit, which will be issued free of charge. A permit can be issued for each individual type of activity or for several types of activity. At the same time, the procedure for obtaining permits for underground geological exploration will be simplified. Permits will be issued within a limited time frame, respecting the principles of transparency and efficient use of mineral resources, and participation fees for economic agents will be eliminated. A financial guarantee for environmental restoration is also established, which will be necessary at the work design stage in order to minimize the negative consequences of the work. The financial guarantee will be returned to the economic agent to the extent that he has carried out work to restore the spaces in which he has intervened. The document also stipulates the conditions for the use of subsoil for purposes other than mining, such as the use of mine voids, as well as for construction on the surface of deposits and other subsoil resources. The competent authority in the field of use and protection of subsoil is the Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Environment. // 27.06.2024 — InfoMarket.
