The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has approved significant amendments to the Law on Subsoil in its final reading, aimed at enhancing environmental safety and the management of natural resources in Azerbaijan. According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the new legislative framework is designed to ensure transparency across various sectors, ranging from the cleaning of water reservoirs to the extraction of minerals and land reclamation.
The document was developed to modernize legislation regarding the use of subsoil. A key change includes categorizing the use of sediments (sand, gravel, clay) collected in water reservoirs or basins, as well as rocks extracted during the construction of tunnels and crossings, as specific types of subsoil use. This initiative aligns with Azerbaijan's broader strategy to increase water resources and improve the supply of quality drinking and irrigation water to the population. The cleaning of existing reservoirs will result in millions of cubic meters of sand, gravel, and clay materials being extracted and integrated into the national economy.
Furthermore, the amendments establish a legal basis for the use of rocks excavated during the construction of road tunnels as part of Azerbaijan's infrastructure development. Creating a legal framework for these materials will formalize their use, ensure accountability, and foster a competitive environment. The Cabinet of Ministers will oversee the list of cases where subsoil use is granted through direct negotiations, further increasing legal certainty and transparency in the selection of users. The document also specifies that the right to use production waste from mining operations will be granted in accordance with relevant regulations.
In terms of environmental balance, the project mandates that subsoil users must prepare and implement reclamation plans to preserve and restore soil fertility. As a significant portion of mineral deposits in Azerbaijan are located on agricultural lands, these systematic rules for land restoration and environmental improvement are deemed essential for the development of the non-oil sector. The reclamation plans will undergo state ecological expertise to ensure that lands are returned to their original or alternative productive states. These reforms reflect Azerbaijan's commitment to sustainable development and the efficient utilization of natural resources in line with international environmental standards.
