Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Reports circulating on social media claimed that 31 mineral deposits in Navoi region were acquired by Chinese companies. However, the Center for Subsoil Use has officially refuted these claims.

According to official data, in February 2025, 31 gold deposit sites were sold through the E-auksion platform for a total of 25.1 billion soums. As per the Law "On Subsoil," only legal entities or individuals registered in Uzbekistan are eligible to obtain subsoil use permits.

Based on this legal requirement, the winners of the electronic auctions were 12 companies that hold legal status and are registered in Uzbekistan. Some of these companies are fully owned by Uzbek citizens, while others have an average of 70% Uzbek ownership. Notably, no company fully owned by foreign nationals, including Chinese investors, has ever won the right to develop deposits through the auction system.

The statement also clarifies that subsoil use permits are issued for a period of three years and do not grant ownership rights to the land. Under Uzbek law, entrepreneurs are only allowed to extract minerals from the surface, and license holders are required to rehabilitate the land after geological exploration, making it suitable for future use.

Furthermore, subsoil users are subject to specific obligations, including a requirement that at least 70% of employees must be Uzbek citizens.

Gold mining in these areas is carried out by prospectors as part of entrepreneurial activities, as large-scale industrial mining in the region is deemed economically unviable. The sale of these sites to private businesses aims to generate revenue and enhance transparency in the sector. Local and foreign investors operating in these territories are expected to introduce new technologies and equipment, creating additional jobs.

Additionally, 49.5% of the revenue generated from the sale of extracted precious metals will be allocated to local budgets, contributing to the comprehensive development of the regions.