Law on Mining Concessions

• Both exploratory and exploitation concessions are real rights distinct and independent of the real estate on the surface.
• There is no depth limit on the concessions.
• The owners of a concession are the only ones entitled to sample and dig in the concession. Limitations to sampling and digging can be established when the sampling or digging causes damages to the surface real estate owner or the public interest.
• Owners of concessions have to pay annual patents to the state, if not concessions are auctioned.
• Exploration concession are cancelled if exploitation is carried out on them.
• The owners of the concessions have the right to establish surface facilities that are relevant for the exploration or exploitation of the concession.
• Exploration concessions lasts for up to four years. Exploitation concessions have no time limit.