Tajikistan Allows Private Mining for Tungsten and Precious Metals, Stones

Non-ferrous metals such as tungsten, precious metals, and precious stones are allowed for private mining in Tajikistan. Recently, according to foreign media, the Tajikistan government has approved private mining procedures for non-ferrous metals and precious metals, precious stones, and semi-precious stones. Private mining of gold, silver, platinum, tin, tungsten, and titanium and other metals, rare earth minerals. It is reported that the government has passed amendments to related laws, including regulations on gold mining in December 2019.

According to regulations, mining operations can be carried out in areas where mineral reserves are not included in the national reserve balance sheet, and in areas that do not belong to natural or legal persons. If the mining area is located on the river valley, tributaries, and broken rock slopes, it must be confirmed by the State Geological Administration and approved by the Ministry of Finance. Also, if the mining area is located in the border area, the agreement from the border guards must be acquired. The miner must restore the damaged area to a prescribed state.

Miners can use hand tools, low-power mining equipment (not more than 50 horsepower) and small-scale washing equipment (not more than 5 cubic meters per hour) in their operations, but chemical agents are not allowed to use during the process.

Privately mined precious metals and gems must be sold to the valuables warehouse owned by the Ministry of Finance. Mined non-ferrous metals and semi-precious stones could be sold to local official acquisition stations or industrial enterprises with processing permits. If the state valuables warehouse or its local acquisition station refuses to acquire, a rejection letter should be issued, and the miner can sell the product to other acquisition units based on the rejection letter.

Miners can apply for a private mining license to mine non-ferrous metals such as tungsten, precious metals, and precious stones at the regional financial bureaus under the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan. The license will be revoked in the following cases: the miner conceals some or all of the product that was mined. The miner violates the rules of production safety, causing casualties. The state needs to take back the mining site.

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