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

The entrepreneur conducted his activities in violation of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 14 dated January 17, 2024, "On measures to regulate the extraction of non-metallic materials in water bodies." This decree introduced an indefinite moratorium on the extraction of non-metallic materials in the Qashqadaryo riverbeds. Nevertheless, from the beginning of 2025 until August 18, a total of 11,727.57 cubic meters of sand and gravel mixture were illegally extracted outside the designated deposit boundaries.

Following mine surveying measurements conducted by inspectors using a "STONEX R1 plus" electronic total station, the damage to state and public interests was calculated at 308,822,100 UZS. According to the forensic expert report, the average market price for one cubic meter of the illegally mined mixture was 26,333 UZS. Consequently, criminal proceedings were initiated against M.K. under Article 229 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Arbitrariness).

During the court hearing, the defendant pleaded fully guilty and stated that the damage had been entirely repaid. The representative of the plaintiff — the Inspectorate for Control in the Mining Industry and Geology — confirmed that there were no further claims as the damage had been recovered. As a result, based on Article 66-prime-1 of the Criminal Code, the criminal case was terminated due to the reconciliation of the parties. The paid funds are to be transferred to the special account of the Inspectorate.

This case demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to the strict moratorium requirements for the protection of riverbeds. Enhanced control measures ensure not only the recovery of economic losses but also the preservation of the ecological balance.

Ensuring legality and stopping arbitrary actions are key factors in the efficient use of state resources. The regular monitoring carried out by the Inspectorate serves to prevent such illegalities in the future and protect natural resources.