2. What is a mining license and are there different types?

The license is the most common basis to use subsoil and a document confirming the right to use subsoil issued by the Geology Agency.

The legislation provides for the following types of licenses depending on the type of work: 1) for geological prospecting activities up to 5 years with the possibility of further extension according to the technical project; 2) for geological exploration activities up to 10 years with the possibility of further extension according to the technical project; 3) for deposit development activities up to 20 years with the possibility of further extension until depletion of mineral reserves; 4) for objects not related to geological mineral exploration and deposit development issued for the term defined in the technical project with the possibility of further extension for the term defined in the adjusted technical project. Depending on the significance of the deposit/licensed area the license can be obtained on the basis of a competitive bidding, auction or direct negotiations.