Inspection for control in the field of mining industry and geology under the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During the trial, it was established that citizen M.U., informally managing the "Q.K." Limited Liability Company, grossly violated the rules of subsoil use. Although the company was granted a license for geological exploration at the "Khonkaobod" sand subsoil plot in the Khanka district, an entirely different activity was being conducted in practice. This fact was confirmed through monitoring and investigations conducted by state control bodies.

Measurement work performed by specialists from the Inspectorate for Control in the Mining Industry and Geology uncovered serious violations in the company's activities. Specifically, data obtained using a "Stonex 900" electronic total station and calculations performed via "AutoCAD Geonics" software proved that sand extraction was actually taking place instead of exploration work. According to monitoring results, the company failed to conduct geological exploration within established deadlines and did not submit results reports to the State Reserves Commission.

The uncovered figures indicate the extensive scale of the crime. Between June 5, 2023, and May 27, 2025, the company illegally extracted a total of 42,978.8 cubic meters of sand. These natural resources were sold to various individuals for a total of 1,217,800,000 soums. Consequently, economic damage to state interests in an especially large amount of 1,217,800,000 soums was confirmed.

The court found M.U. guilty under Article 167, Part 3, Clause "a" and Article 190, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The accused fully confessed to his guilt and voluntarily compensated part of the damage, amounting to 680,000,000 soums. According to the court verdict, these funds were transferred to the state budget, and legal penalties were imposed on the perpetrator. Furthermore, legal measures were taken regarding the technical equipment used as instruments of the crime.

This court verdict serves as a serious warning to subsoil users. Failure to comply with licensing requirements and turning exploration work into extraction activity leads to inevitable liability. The ability to detect every cubic meter of illegal extraction using modern control mechanisms and digital technologies is the primary guarantee for ensuring legality in the sector.

These results demonstrate the increasing effectiveness of the control system. Halting illegal activity serves not only to compensate for economic damage but also to prevent the plunder of natural resources. Ensuring legality enhances the culture of subsoil use and is of great importance in preserving the state's mineral resource base.