Starting from September 1, 2025, important changes in the sphere of regulation of subsurface use will come into force in the Russian Federation. They relate to the rules for the development of solid mineral deposits, administrative liability for mining violations, as well as issues related to the protection of underground water bodies.
New rules for the development of solid mineral deposits
According to the Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia No. 209 and Rosnedra No. 03 dated 04/15/2025, the Rules for the development of solid mineral deposits have been approved. The document was registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on May 30, 2025 (reg. No. 82452) and will be valid until August 31, 2031.
The rules are mandatory for:
• all subsurface users and relevant organizations;
• Rosnedra and its territorial bodies;
• executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation regulating subsurface use.
Technical projects approved before September 1, 2025 in accordance with Article 23.2 of the law “On Subsoil”, continue to be valid until the end of the period specified in them. There is no need to bring them in line with the new requirements.
Amendments to the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation: strengthening the responsibility of subsurface users
On the same day, Article 7.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation will also change. Now responsibility comes not only for the use of mineral resources without a license or not according to the terms of the license, but also for deviations from:
• mining development plans and schemes,
• requirements of technical projects approved in accordance with the established procedure,
• other project documents related to the development of deposits.
Thus, if earlier fines were applied only for violations of the terms of the license and project documentation, then from September 1, 2025, administrative liability will also occur in cases of actual deviation from approved mining development plans and schemes.
This step seriously increases the requirements for the accuracy of the design and the actual execution of mining plans — all stages must strictly comply with the approved documentation.
New rules for the protection of underground water bodies
The decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on the approval of the Rules for the protection of underground water bodies also comes into force. It is aimed at preventing pollution and depletion of water resources during exploration and mining operations.
❗What to pay attention to for subsurface users from September 1, 2025:
• It is necessary to ensure that all new development projects comply with the requirements of the new Rules.
• Special attention should be paid to the accuracy of planning the stages of mining operations in order to avoid administrative liability.
• It is important to take into account the issues of protection of underground water bodies already at the stage of approval of new documentation.
Experts note that these changes are aimed at improving regulation of subsurface use, increasing environmental safety and reducing the risks of illegal mining.