BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 20. Several non-metal
mineral deposits have been transferred to AzerGold Closed Joint
Stock Company (CJSC), Trend reports.


President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed
the relevant decree in this regard.


According to the decree, the move aims to increase efficiency in
the exploitation of non-metal mineral resources and meet market
demand. The transferred deposits include limestone fields such as
“Garadagh I and II” and “Guzdek Mulda,” as well as sand and gravel
deposits including “Katekhchay I and II,” “Balakanchay I and II,”
“Agchay I,” and the “Imishli” field. These areas, designated by the
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, have been placed under
the use of AzerGold CJSC (the Company).


The decree also establishes that, starting from August 1, 2027,
processes related to subsoil use, excluding oil and gas activities,
will be carried out through the “Digital Ecology” information
system under a “single window” principle. This includes granting
subsoil use rights, conducting state expertise, submission of
reports by users, obtaining approvals from relevant authorities,
and organizing auctions and tenders.


The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources will act as the
coordinating state body under the “single window” system.


Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with
preparing proposals within three months to strengthen liability for
violations in the field of subsoil use and submitting them to the
president.


Within six months, the Cabinet is also required to develop
proposals on monitoring and evaluating priority non-metal mineral
deposits in coordination with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural
Resources and the Ministry of Economy, as well as introducing
incentives for their economic utilization, taking into account
factors such as location, terrain, climate conditions, and
infrastructure availability.


Further measures include coordinating land category changes for
affected areas, in consultation with relevant state bodies and
based on state land cadastre data, as well as ensuring the
alignment of land designated for industrial and other uses with the
needs of subsoil operations, subject to presidential approval.


The Cabinet is also instructed to approve standardized forms of
documentation and reporting required from subsoil users. These will
apply to activities such as obtaining subsoil use rights,
conducting geological exploration, extracting minerals, and
constructing or operating underground facilities unrelated to
extraction.


The decree outlines broader efforts to modernize governance in
the sector, improve transparency, and strengthen coordination among
institutions involved in managing Azerbaijan’s non-metal mineral
resources.


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