The working group on the Government’s draft protocol on the
Tavantolgoi  deposit held its first
meeting on Tuesday. The group comprises four MPs from DP and five from
MPRP.  Its head, MP D.Damba-Ochir, later
told media that they heard the suggestions of mining experts and will receive
suggestions  from NGOs and civil
movements. It also plans to visit mine sotes such as Tavantolgoi and Ukhaa
Khudag by the end of the week.

“Since the project is huge and will determine the future of
Mongolia, we need to work very carefully and seriously on this before
submitting our report on July 1,” the group head said and added, “There is no
politics in our work as the deposit is owned by the state.”

He clarified that Tavantolgoi has five reserves. Foreign and
domestic companies that will operate in Tavantolgoi may also be permitted to
make geological exploration of the smaller reserves, something that has not yet
been done extensively.

Work on selection of foreign companies will begin as soon as
Parliament approves the protocol, he said.