Volodin backs further study of higher taxes on gold mining

State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said an Accounts Chamber proposal to increase taxes on gold mining was justified, while calling for further study.

The proposal concerns raising the rate applied to gold extraction alongside a windfall tax and moving from nonrecurring levies to systematic taxation, Interfax reported, citing the State Duma's press service.

The Accounts Chamber set out its proposal in its assessment of the draft federal budget for 2027 and the 2028 to 2029 planning period. It cited the long-term rise in global gold prices and the need to share additional income between the state and mineral resource users.

Volodin linked his support to the need for higher federal revenue to expand social assistance.

He also called for consideration of a wider list of foods excluded from the reduced 10% VAT rate. Oysters and similar delicacies could be added. Volodin said he had made that proposal before.