Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the new law "On Subsoil," which regulates relations concerning the ownership, use, and protection of subsoil resources.

Under this law, subsoil and all naturally occurring minerals are considered the property of the state of Uzbekistan and are subject to rational use and protection by the government. This ownership right remains intact regardless of the rights or ownership of individuals or legal entities over land and water.

The state grants access to subsoil resources under terms defined by the law.

Importantly, subsoil areas cannot be subject to sale, gift, inheritance, contribution, pledge, or any other form of transfer.

The authorities responsible for implementing state policy regarding the use and protection of subsoil resources include:

- The Cabinet of Ministers

- The Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology

- The Ministry of Energy

- The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change

- The Inspection for Control in the Mining Industry and Geology

- The State Institution "Center for Subsoil Use"

- Local executive authorities

The law will take effect three months after its official publication.