Economic activity related to the extraction of minerals for own needs

Economic activities related to the extraction of minerals for own needs must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Environmental Norms and Rules EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017 "Environmental Protection and Nature Management. Environmental Safety Requirements".

The most common violations during the operation of internal quarries are:

1) Exceeding the development depth

According to clause 27.1 of EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017, the extraction of common minerals by owners, holders, users, tenants and subtenants of land plots for purposes not related to income generation, without providing a mining allotment, is allowed only to a depth of up to 5 meters.

2) Violation of quarry boundaries and area

In accordance with clause 27.6 of EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017, the maximum area for placing an internal quarry is no more than 1 hectare, including lands where the fertile soil layer removed during operation is stored.

3) Non-compliance with the requirements for the arrangement of access roads and access

Clauses 27.7 and 27.8 of EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017 establish:

— an internal quarry must be provided with no more than 2 access roads

— a barrier and an information sign must be installed on each access road indicating:

• quarry name;

• land user;

• decision of the local executive and administrative body (date and number);

• area and period of quarry operation;

• contact phone number of the responsible person of the operating organization

Absence of boundary marking

Clause 27.10 of EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017 establishes the mandatory requirement for a fixed boundary of the land plot on which the internal quarry is located.

Pollution (littering) of the territory

According to clause 29 of EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017, during the operation of an internal quarry, its pollution (clogging) with waste, as well as pollution (littering) of adjacent lands, is excluded.

Administrative liability

Violation of the above requirements entails administrative liability provided for by Article 16.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus, and the imposition of a fine in the amount of:

for an individual – up to 20 basic units;

for an individual entrepreneur – up to 50 basic units;

for a legal entity – up to 100 basic units.