A working group established by the Security and Foreign Policy Standing Committee of SGK has concluded its examination on Mardai group deposits. MP Z.Enkhbold, Chairman of the Committee, held press conference.
Q: Was illegal issuance of licenses revealed during the examination?
MP Z.Enkhbold: Uranium deposits located in the territory of Bayandun, Gurvanzagal and Dashbalbar soums of Dornodn aimag were explored between 1971-1974 and “Uranium exploitation Agreement in the Mongolian territory” was made between the Government of Mongolia and Soviet Union in December 23 1981. It mined 510.6 thousand tons of ore between 1988 – 1995.
But MRA issued mining and exploration licenses to “Emeelt Mines”, “Western Prospector Mongolia”, “Adamas Mining” companies in the previously mined areas, breaching provision 2.3 of article 17 and provision 1.4 of article 19 of the Mineral Law of Mongolia. It is illegal to issue exploration license in the previously mined areas. After Agreement of Concession was annulled in late 1989 and early 1990, all uranium properties returned to Mongolia. I would like to quote two examples to give you how big scale of work were underwent in the above – mentioned areas; over 40 kilometers of railway to transport small carriers was laid and three horizontal shafts were built. After the Agreement with Russia was annulled, all reports, findings, locations of ore, electrical supply lines and over 130 kilometers long railway was transferred to the Mongolian side free. Over 14 licenses were issued to 4 companies in the previously mined areas. It is much similar to issue an exploration license in the mining area of Erdenet copper and molybdenum mine and then to raise fund at the Canadian Stock Exchange. Read the rest of this entry »