State-run "Hydrogeological Expedition of Moldova" takes over the right to use oil fields in Valeni village (Cahul district) and gas fields in Victorovca village (Cantemir district).
The corresponding decision on the transfer of the right to exploit gas and oil fields in the southern Moldova was approved by the government at a meeting on April 17. The right to use these two fields was transferred to the state enterprise that has a monopoly in this field, the "Hydrogeological Expedition of Moldova" (EHGeoM). Given the importance of environmental protection in the development areas, the Ministry of Environment is entitled to conclude contracts for the transfer of underground areas for use by EHGeoM. At the same time, the local administrations of Cahul and Cantemir districts will coordinate the processes of land allocation. According to Roman Cojuhari, Director-General of the Public Property Agency, with this decision, the government confirms that the subsoil belongs to the state, and the gas and oil fields will be exploited in the country's interest and with minimal impact on the environment. Prime Minister Dorin Recean instructed the Finance Ministry to assess the damage caused to the state by the inefficient management of these fields and the non-fulfillment of contracts by the former users of these subsoil resources. Let us remind that in late 2023, the government regained the rights to the oil and gas fields in southern Moldova, which were previously owned by Redeco and Valiexchimp, which later took over the company. According to investigations, the mining activities during the hydrocarbon field concession period by Redeco (later Valiexchimp) were carried out with irregularities, resulting in damage to the state and the environment. // 18.04.2024 - InfoMarket.
