The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources’ regulation on the rehabilitation of mine sites was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force in January 2026. It sets out the project, funding and inspection rules for returning land disturbed by mining to nature.
Key provisions
- Rehabilitation projects require MAPEG approval; in special environmental protection areas, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change must also approve. No work may start without approval.
- Rehabilitation starts with mining, continues during operations and is completed after operations end.
- Each year on 1 January, a rehabilitation fee equal to the operating licence fee is assessed and must be paid by the end of January. If it is still unpaid by the end of June, the licence can be cancelled.
- Fees are held in time deposit accounts at public banks, per licence, and may only be used for rehabilitation. They are refunded to licence holders who fully meet their obligations.
- MAPEG inspects the work at set intervals.
- Forest-status land is handed over to the General Directorate of Forestry once it has been prepared for afforestation.
What does it mean on site?
The most effective way to rehabilitate is to work progressively rather than leaving everything to the end of mining: storing topsoil separately, shaping completed benches and planting suitable areas early. You can read about our environmental approach on our Sustainability page.
Source: Ekonomi Gazetesi (23 January 2026). The text published in the Official Gazette prevails in practice.
