Regulation No. 218 date 11.2.2015 on the criteria and rules of procedure of exploiting land areas adjacent to existing permits and changing the boundaries of mineral permits defined in space with three coordinates.

This Regulation lays down criteria and rules of procedure for exploiting above and under surface areas that are adjacent to existing permits, and changing the boundaries of mineral permits defined in space with three coordinates. The Regulation acknowledges the right of licensed operators to apply for additional exploitation areas adjacent to the boundaries of their existing permits if they have approached the end of reserves in their permitted areas, or have expressed special interest in improving technological and production indicators, or there is need for capital works that will also result in expansion of the mine depth. Under no circumstances will the newly proposed area be larger than the existing permit area. The National Agency of Natural Resources examines the technical and economic project proposals and reaches a decision within 45 days of application. Further, the entities that possess mineral permits where boundaries are defined with three coordinates may request a change in the coordinates of their permitted exploitation area. This Regulation does not apply for mining rights granted through concession agreements. Regarding governance the Ministry of Energy and Industry, the Ministry of Environment, the National Agency of Natural Resources, and the National Center for Licensing are responsible for the regulation implementation.