Through Order no. 177 published in the Official Gazette no. 437 of May 25, 2026, a standardized and mandatory structure is introduced for the final documentation that exploration license holders must submit to the National Authority for Regulation in the Mining, Petroleum, and Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide Sector (ANRMPSG).
What does it stipulate?
The Order imposes an extremely detailed framework content for the final exploration report, eliminating any ambiguity regarding the data and analyses required for the evaluation of a deposit. The mandatory structure includes precise chapters, from general data about the perimeter, regional geology, and work program (preliminary and detailed), to the specific geology of the deposit, qualitative characterization of the mineral substance, evaluation of resources and reserves according to national and international standards, and technical-economic exploitation conditions. The documentation must be supported by complex written and graphic appendices, including drilling logs, analysis bulletins, geological maps, and reserve calculation plans.
Responsibility for data accuracy is clearly defined. The final report must be prepared and signed exclusively by natural persons or legal entities certified by ANRMPSG, and the license holder fully assumes its content. Another operational requirement is the dual format for submitting documentation: both in physical (hard copy) and electronic format, using specific files for text (Word, PDF), tabular data (Excel, Access), and technical graphics (GIS, CAD). This measure standardizes how the authority receives and processes geological data.
The normative act establishes a transparent evaluation process and clear deadlines. ANRMPSG has 60 days to analyze the report. More importantly, the reasons for which a report may be rejected are explicitly defined. These include the non-execution of research works from the approved program, the presentation of inconclusive data that does not allow for the delineation of the geological reserve, the incorrect preparation of graphic materials, or the execution of works without the authority’s approval. This list provides companies with a clear guide to non-compliance risks.
The direct link between the completion of exploration and the commencement of exploitation is formalized. License holders who intend to apply for an exploitation license are obliged to submit, along with the final exploration report, a pre-feasibility study. This study must demonstrate the technical-economic viability of exploiting the discovered deposit, thus integrating geological analysis with business analysis from this early stage.
To whom does it apply?
The Order applies to all legal entities, Romanian or foreign, that hold exploration licenses for solid useful mineral substances on the territory of Romania. The provisions directly target companies in the mining and natural resources sector.
What should you do?
- Review internal documentation procedures to align the structure of exploration reports with the new mandatory framework content imposed by ANRMPSG.
- Ensure that all technical documentation is prepared and signed exclusively by specialized experts or companies certified by the regulatory authority.
- Plan geological research works to collect all specific data required by the new structure, including detailed information for resource evaluation, hydrogeological, and stability studies.
- Implement a workflow for preparing the final documentation in dual format (physical and electronic), respecting the requested file types (Word, PDF, GIS, CAD).
Source: Official Gazette, Part I, no. 437 of May 25, 2026.
Note: This material is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or business advice. As the interpretation and application of legal provisions may vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each entity, we recommend seeking specialized legal assistance before adopting any operational decisions based on these changes.