Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a recent plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, the Law "On amendments and additions to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Administrative Responsibility Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aimed at preserving and protecting land and subsoil resources" was reviewed and approved.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively engaged in the preservation and protection of land and subsoil resources, as well as the rational use of land resources. The country has 2,676 mineral deposits, over 2,000 of which are being developed by businesses under permits. Since 2018, following a presidential decree, the country has actively developed artisanal mining of precious metals, establishing legal foundations for this activity. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 300 permits were issued for artisanal mining of precious metals.

Despite these measures, illegal mining of precious metals continues to be reported. Last year, over 100 cases of illegal mining were identified, leading to criminal cases against 79 individuals in the Jizzakh, Samarkand, Navoi, and Tashkent regions. The increase in violations in this area has necessitated the strengthening of penalties.

The new Law introduces criminal liability for repeat illegal mining of minerals after administrative penalties have been applied, as well as for artisanal mining without a permit.

Additionally, changes to the Administrative Responsibility Code grant law enforcement agencies the authority to compile administrative protocols for offenses related to illegal land occupation, construction on such lands, and violations of land allocation procedures.

Senators expressed confidence that this Law will contribute to compliance with land and subsoil protection legislation and effective prevention of violations in this sector.