Law on Mining and Geological Exploration
Regulates resource exploration and extraction, authorisations, mining infrastructure and supervision. It also helps landowners and communities understand a project’s particular phase and the obligations of the authorisation holder.
Avangarda does not provide legal representation. These materials are here to inform and to make rights easier to understand. For a concrete legal procedure, contact a lawyer, legal aid service or the relevant institution.
Mining / geological exploration / environment
Serbia’s Law on Mining and Geological Exploration regulates exploration of mineral and other geological resources, extraction, mining infrastructure, authorisations and supervision. An exploration area, extraction field and authorisation for particular works concern different documents and project stages. The law establishes conditions for authorisation holders; mining waste management, rehabilitation and land restoration are obligations to examine for the specific project rather than assume from its public description.
The Ministry of Mining and Energy and other authorities act under the statutory distribution of responsibilities. Mining and geological inspectorates supervise their respective fields. Exploration or extraction authorisation does not replace environmental impact assessment, water and construction acts or necessary land rights. Check which decisions have actually been issued, which remain required and which location they cover. Announcing a future mine does not show that all proposed works have been authorised.
Residents or landowners can request the holder’s identity, authorisation number and scope, exploration or extraction boundaries and relevant documentation. Document observed works and possible effects, and address suspected violations to the appropriate inspectorate. Landowners, interested public and holders have different positions; requesting information does not guarantee a right of appeal in every procedure. For access to private land or compensation, check the applicable property legislation and the specific legal basis as well. Avoid treating permission to investigate as ownership of the land.
The current law appears in Official Gazette 101/2015, amended by 95/2018 through another law and 40/2021, published on 30 April 2021. The original law takes effect on the eighth day after publication; Articles 54–57 apply from Serbia’s accession to the European Union. Transitional provisions of the 2021 amendment retain earlier rules for pending procedures, except where the prescribed written request seeks the new regime. Use the ministry’s text with amendments and relevant implementing regulations for the actual project phase.
This is Avangarda’s informative editorial overview and translation, not an official translation. For a particular case, check the current law through the official source, relevant implementing rules and individual decisions, and seek qualified legal help where needed. This overview does not replace the legislation or a competent authority’s decision.
What is this for?
Distinguishes exploration, extraction and works, helping check authorisations, spatial boundaries and rehabilitation obligations.
Who can use it?
Authorisation holders, landowners, residents, associations, specialists and public authorities; these roles carry different procedural rights.
When should it be used?
When exploration or a mine is announced, requesting authorisations or investigating mining waste, rehabilitation and environmental impacts.