An explosion at a quarry near the tourist village of Akbuyra in the Samarkand region sent rocks flying up to 357 meters, exceeding the established safety limit of 300 meters, according to the Ministry of Mining and Geology. The ministry stated that the company has compensated residents for material damage.

The 'Mironkul-III' quarry was allocated to LLC 'Agro Technology Group' under a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated July 1, 2019. The enterprise holds a subsoil use license valid until June 3, 2042. Blasting operations were carried out under a contract between 'Agro Technology Group' and 'Hisor Tog' LLC.

Official documents show that the minimum safe distance to residential areas was set at 300 meters based on a state environmental expert review. The overall distance to the residential area is 450-500 meters, which was considered compliant. However, some affected houses are located 357 meters away, close to the norm.

The ministry reported that the April 15, 2026 blast caused rock fragments to reach an area 357 meters away, deemed a 'deviation from the technological regulations.' Due to mining-geological conditions and uneven distribution of blast energy, some rocks may have deviated from their trajectory.

Material damage has been compensated. Orders have been issued to reduce blast volume from 10 to 5 tons, minimize explosive materials, and adopt alternative safer rock loosening methods.

Authorities promised to implement a siren-based public warning system and obtain a conclusion from the Institute of Seismology to establish a causal link between cracks in house walls and the blasting. The ministry stated that inspections continue, and repeated violations could lead to severe measures, including suspension of the subsoil use license.

Source: kun.uz