This Thursday, the National Assembly approved 12 articles of the Organic Law on Mines

Published at: 19/03/2026 08:48 PM

During the regular session of this Thursday, March 19, held at the Federal Legislative Palace, the National Assembly (AN) approved 12 articles of the draft Organic Mining Law, and agreed to continue the debate in the next parliamentary session at the request of the president of the Permanent Commission on Energy and Petroleum, Deputy Orlando Camacho.

In this regard, Camacho made the request, alleging the need to hear more opinions about the text under discussion, and thus enrich the project approved in the first discussion on March 9, according to the publication of the AN website.

Regarding the approved content, article one defines the object of the law, which focuses its purpose on the regulation of mines and the management of mineral resources throughout the national territory.

In addition, article two establishes the scope of application for all natural or legal persons, national or foreign, by clarifying that the regime of non-metallic minerals is the exclusive competence of States.

Article three ratifies that only the Republic has the right to property over deposits, which are public domain assets, inalienable and imprescriptible.

Meanwhile, article four determines that the management and stewardship of mineral resources are the responsibility of the National Executive, through the ministry with competence in mines.

Article five details the subjects authorized to carry out mining activities, including companies exclusive to the Republic, joint ventures with 50% majority state control, authorized private companies, artisanal mining brigades and individuals who mine individually.

Regarding the operational bases of the standard, article six establishes that all mining activity must be carried out scientifically and rationally, prioritizing sustainable development and profitability for the State without neglecting the preservation of ecosystems.

In line with this, Article Seven determines that, although the granting of a title presupposes the existence of exploitable minerals, the Republic does not guarantee or take responsibility for the real existence of the resource in the deposit.

For its part, article eight offers a wide catalog of technical definitions that range from exploration and exploitation processes to modern concepts such as ecological mining development and waste management (tailings and tailings).

This section also delimits the dimensions of mining plots and defines strategic minerals as those fundamental to key industries such as health, information technology and national defense.

The Plenary also validated the mechanisms for control and resolution of conflicts. Article nine empowers parties to resolve disputes through national courts or arbitration, always under the guidance of the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic.

Article 10 and Article 11 consolidate the administrative structure by designating the Ministry of the Area as the governing body with full competence to formulate policies, promote safe foreign investment, maintain the national inventory of reserves and grant concessions on behalf of the nation.

Mazo News Team