Mining in Serbia under new rules – Drafting of law that brings harmonization with EU standards on critical raw materials begins

The Ministry of Mining and Energy announced that the drafting of a new Law on Mining and Geological Exploration has begun, which will replace the current law from 2015. This move is aimed, as stated, at establishing a modern, transparent and efficient system of management of mineral and geological resources, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and European standards.

As stated in the explanation, the existing law no longer meets modern challenges, especially when it comes to environmental protection, management of strategic mineral raw materials and compliance with European regulations. The new law, it says, should provide improved legal certainty, a clearer role of the state and greater transparency in exploration and exploitation procedures.

– Mineral and other geological resources represent natural resources of general interest and are state-owned, which imposes on the state the obligation to ensure their rational use and preservation for future generations – the Ministry’s explanation states.

The new law aims to strengthen the role of the state as the owner and manager of natural resources, introduce modern standards of sustainable mining, with mandatory environmental protection and land reclamation, harmonize the national framework with European Union regulations, in particular with the Critical Raw Materials Act and the principles of the European Green Deal, introduce digitalization and e-commerce in all stages of procedures, for more efficient supervision and public availability of data, and ensure transparent models for granting rights to explore and exploit mineral resources.

The law will also include the introduction of standardized reporting in accordance with international systems such as PERC, UNFC and PRMS, as well as the application of ESG principles (environmental, social and governance criteria) in all stages of mining.

One of the key innovations will be the clear definition of control mechanisms over strategic and critical mineral resources, as well as their inclusion in spatial and development plans.

It is also planned to establish a unified information system that will enable electronic submission of requests, conducting procedures and public access to data on exploration and exploitation fields.

The implementation of the new law, as the Ministry points out, should contribute to a more transparent and responsible use of natural resources, strengthening public trust in institutions and creating a stable framework for the development of sustainable and competitive mining in Serbia.

The public debate lasts until November 11, and the Ministry has invited the public to submit proposals and suggestions to sektor.geologijairudarstvo@mre.gov.rs.

I. Z.

Ministarstvo rudarstva i energetike Republike Srbije

Draft Law on Mining and Geological Exploration

Law on Mining and Geological Exploration

Critical Raw Materials Act

new mining law