On the behalf of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Bill was elaborated by Sinisa Tanackovic, Assistant Minister in charge of the Geology and Mining Sector, who said that the Bill regulates the areas of mining and geology, with the preservation of geological resources. The Bill defines strategic mineral raw materials, includes the preservation of attested reserves and regulates the issuance of geological research permits by local self-governments. In the drafting of the Bill, all European standards had been followed as well as the three EU directives in accordance with which the by-laws are to be drafted. These are directives referring to geological research and exploitation, carbon dioxide storage and mining waste management. Also, IPA funds have been secured for the drafting of a mining waste cadastre and mining waste registration on the territory of AP Vojvodina, said Tanackovic.

In the ensuing debate the MPs had questions about the provisions of the Bill concerning strike, the EU directive regarding waste, especially oil discharge, the difference in the authority of the Geological Institute existing between the current law and the Bill. They also asked about local self-governments that did not grant permits for geological research on their territory, strategic mineral resources and criteria for the expansion of field exploitation.

Following the debate the Committee members accepted the Bill on Mining and Geological Research, in principle, by majority vote.

The sitting was chaired by Committee Chairman Aleksandar Senic.