Law "On subsoil".

This Law regulates subsoil management and protection. The purpose of this Law is to ensure complex, efficient, environmentally-friendly and sustainable use of subsoil, as well as specify the requirements for the protection of subsoil. Subsoil and all mineral resources present therein shall be owned by the landowner. The landowner or an accordingly authorized person thereof, if the landowner is the State or local government, may deal with subsoil as far as this Law and other regulatory enactments do not restrict his or her rights. The Law further provides for supervision of use of subsoil fund; use of subsoil; protection of subsoil; and liability for violations in the use of subsoil and the recovery of damages. Mineral resources are defined as formations of non-organic or organic origin (also groundwater) the use of which is practically possible and economically viable. Also, mineral resources of national significance are defined as hydrocarbons untreated petroleum (crude oil), natural gas and groundwater (freshwater, mineral water, thermal water and water used in industry). The State limited liability company Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre shall, in accordance with the procedures specified in this Law and other laws and regulations: (a) accept and record stocks of mineral resources; (b) draw up the register of deposits of mineral resources and balance of the stock of mineral resources; (3) obtain and compile geological information and store it in the State Geology Fund; and (4) organize the geological mapping of the State territory.