Mining data disclosures help reduce conflict potential

On April 30, the working group discussed the obligations of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in the framework of the Open Government “Data disclosure in the mining industry regarding licenses”.

The IBC representative took part in the WG meeting.

The head of the Nedra Public Foundation Nazgul Kulova delivered a presentation "Disclosure of interrelated data in the mining industry in relation to the license". The main goal of initiative is to reduce the conflict potential and increase the accountability of government agencies, companies and local governments.

Kulova explained the state regulation of the sector, specific obligations of companies, as well as the specifics of the projects.

The tasks of the working group include the analysis of the information needs of stakeholders, the analysis of documents and data collected by government agencies, and the analysis of legislation.

As a result of the discussions, the WG participants decided to agree on an initial action plan for the implementation of the commitment – identification of the information needs of the stakeholders concerned within the deadlines set by the State Agency for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use.

It was also decided to analyze the written requests received by the State Agency for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use and other government agencies in 2014 and2015, the period of the most large-scale conflicts at the subsoil use facilities. The analysis will be conducted by the Nedra PF. In addition, the State Agency for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use and the Nedra PF will conduct interviews with local communities, local authorities, and the media.

The next meeting of the working group will be devoted to the results of the analysis of information needs of stakeholders.