In the ministry, it is emphasized that Kyrgyzstan, as a mountainous country, has significant reserves of mineral resources, and their utilization is critical for socio-economic progress. However, the extraction of minerals and the operation of mining facilities often lead to serious violations of land and natural landscapes, which necessitates a comprehensive set of reclamation activities. In practical activities, there are instances of both intentional and negligent violations of the conditions of licenses for subsoil use, which in turn leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and threats to ecology and safety.
In light of the above, the ministry aims to create an effective legal mechanism to hold accountable those who violate the conditions of licenses for subsoil use or fail to meet the requirements for the reclamation of disturbed lands.
The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code include the following provisions:
- Intentional or negligent violation of the conditions of a license for subsoil use, resulting in environmental damage, is punishable by a fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 calculated indicators (from 100,000 to 200,000 soms) or imprisonment for up to two years.
- The same actions that cause significant damage to subsoil resources are punishable by a fine from 2,000 to 3,000 calculated indicators (from 200,000 to 300,000 soms) or imprisonment for up to three years.
- Intentional or negligent violation of reclamation requirements for land, resulting in significant damage, is also punishable by a fine from 1,000 to 2,000 calculated indicators or imprisonment for up to two years.
- Actions that cause significant damage to the environment are punishable by a fine from 2,000 to 3,000 calculated indicators or imprisonment for up to three years.
