The EBA Subsoil Use Committee met with representatives of the SRDE “Geoinform of Ukraine”

06/ 07/ 2023

On July 4, representatives of the European Business Associations Committee on Subsoil Use had a meeting with Pavlo Bovsunivskyi, the Acting General Director of the State Research and Development Enterprise State Informational Geological Fund of Ukraine, or GIU, and Ihor Melnyk, the Director of the Center for Geoinformation Technologies. The meeting focused on discussing current issues related to the coordinates of subsoil areas provided for use, the functionality of the electronic subsoil user cabinet, and the services provided by GIU. The questions raised by committee members during the meeting were related to the transition from the SK-42 coordinate system to the international WGS-84 system. The advantages of the new coordinate system are evident as the ability to determine angular points with an accuracy of a few meters, without the need for expensive equipment, represents a significant step forward. However, many subsoil users encounter problems when converting coordinates internationally, such as the intersection/overlap of contours between adjacent deposits and/or special permits. This can result in the loss of reserves for which payments have already been made or the incorrect delineation of subsoil areas. For example, GIU has conducted iterative recalculation of angular points of subsoil areas into the WGS-84 coordinate system for approximately 90% of special permits. This process has revealed not only the intersection of contours between special permits but also inconsistencies between the actual location of the subsoil object and the coordinates specified in the permits. To address this issue, Mr. Bovsunivskyi recommends seeking services for determining the angular points of subsoil objects. During this process, the contour of the special permit will be aligned with the reserve calculation contour and the deposit, ensuring alignment with reality. Unfortunately, there is no universal approach to resolving this specific problem. However, the specialists at the GIU can offer an optimal solution to address the issue. Furthermore, the issue faced by subsoil users regarding the inability to submit intermediate reports in the format of Form 3-GR for storage in the State Research and Development Enterprise State Informational Geological Fund of Ukraine can also be resolved by temporarily storing the intermediate information in the enterprises archives for up to 5 years as part of paid services. Regarding technical problems encountered by users of the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet when submitting applications for special permits, particularly concerning the disappearance of applications and responses from the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine during the review of document packages that are either under consideration or have already been reviewed, it was also stated that there is a readiness to promptly address any technical malfunctions when contacting the electronic mailbox or the operator of the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet by phone. Regarding the possibility of making changes or extending special permits for geological exploration, including pilot and commercial development, which are not provided for in the Subsoil Code since March 28, 2023, but still remain valid until their expiration date, Mr. Bovsunivskyi noted that such options are technically available in the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet. However, due to changes in legislation, specifically Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 353 dated April 18, 2023, On the Approval of Forms of Special Permits for Subsoil Use, Maximum Economically Justifiable Terms for Work Execution on Subsoil Areas (Taking into Account Geological Features), Main Types of Work, and Application Forms in the Field of Geological Exploration and Rational Use of Subsoil, the decision to make changes, expand, or extend such special permits is made solely by the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine. During the meeting, Mr. Bovsunivskyi also shared information about the available services provided by the GIU, which can be accessed by subsoil users. These services include, among others, the recording of primary/secondary geological information in the catalog of geological information records. The European Business Association sincerely appreciates the representatives of the State Research and Development Enterprise Geoinform of Ukraine for the meeting and the fruitful dialogue. We look forward to further productive cooperation!

On July 4, representatives of the European Business Association’s Committee on Subsoil Use had a meeting with Pavlo Bovsunivskyi, the Acting General Director of the State Research and Development Enterprise “State Informational Geological Fund of Ukraine,” or GIU, and Ihor Melnyk, the Director of the Center for Geoinformation Technologies.

The meeting focused on discussing current issues related to the coordinates of subsoil areas provided for use, the functionality of the electronic subsoil user cabinet, and the services provided by GIU.

The questions raised by committee members during the meeting were related to the transition from the SK-42 coordinate system to the international WGS-84 system. The advantages of the new coordinate system are evident as the ability to determine angular points with an accuracy of a few meters, without the need for expensive equipment, represents a significant step forward. However, many subsoil users encounter problems when converting coordinates internationally, such as the intersection/overlap of contours between adjacent deposits and/or special permits. This can result in the loss of reserves for which payments have already been made or the incorrect delineation of subsoil areas. For example, GIU has conducted iterative recalculation of angular points of subsoil areas into the WGS-84 coordinate system for approximately 90% of special permits. This process has revealed not only the intersection of contours between special permits but also inconsistencies between the actual location of the subsoil object and the coordinates specified in the permits. To address this issue, Mr. Bovsunivskyi recommends seeking services for determining the angular points of subsoil objects. During this process, the contour of the special permit will be aligned with the reserve calculation contour and the deposit, ensuring alignment with reality. Unfortunately, there is no universal approach to resolving this specific problem. However, the specialists at the GIU can offer an optimal solution to address the issue.

Furthermore, the issue faced by subsoil users regarding the inability to submit intermediate reports in the format of Form 3-GR for storage in the State Research and Development Enterprise “State Informational Geological Fund of Ukraine” can also be resolved by temporarily storing the intermediate information in the enterprise’s archives for up to 5 years as part of paid services.

Regarding technical problems encountered by users of the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet when submitting applications for special permits, particularly concerning the disappearance of applications and responses from the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine during the review of document packages that are either under consideration or have already been reviewed, it was also stated that there is a readiness to promptly address any technical malfunctions when contacting the electronic mailbox or the operator of the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet by phone.

Regarding the possibility of making changes or extending special permits for geological exploration, including pilot and commercial development, which are not provided for in the Subsoil Code since March 28, 2023, but still remain valid until their expiration date, Mr. Bovsunivskyi noted that such options are technically available in the Subsoil User Electronic Cabinet. However, due to changes in legislation, specifically Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 353 dated April 18, 2023, “On the Approval of Forms of Special Permits for Subsoil Use, Maximum Economically Justifiable Terms for Work Execution on Subsoil Areas (Taking into Account Geological Features), Main Types of Work, and Application Forms in the Field of Geological Exploration and Rational Use of Subsoil,” the decision to make changes, expand, or extend such special permits is made solely by the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine.

During the meeting, Mr. Bovsunivskyi also shared information about the available services provided by the GIU, which can be accessed by subsoil users. These services include, among others, the recording of primary/secondary geological information in the catalog of geological information records.

The European Business Association sincerely appreciates the representatives of the State Research and Development Enterprise “Geoinform of Ukraine” for the meeting and the fruitful dialogue. We look forward to further productive cooperation!