Since 1990, a total of 31 areas have been identified in Mongolian for petroleum exploration; of which two areas are currently being surveyed – said Mining Minister R.Jigjid.  At present, Mongolia exports approximately 1 million tones of petroleum annually to China. Prior to 2014, five exploration contracts were concluded, and after 2014 an additional eleven areas were contractually included.  In the field of conventional petroleum exploration, the government has spent USD 9.7 million and several projects have been undertaken. In 2014 the government spent USD 2 million on petroleum exploration.

Also, Minister Jigjid discussed uranium stating the government wishes to continue using radiographic exploration. We need to be seen to be “using” the resources properly. We support all the steps from exploring to producing the yellow powder. The next procedure is the preparation of nuclear fuel. We will not be involved in this stage; our activity must only be restricted to exploring the yellow powder, in other words – the raw produce. The Ministry of Mining is supporting companies working on this material. “Areva”, a  company which has been working in the Dornogovi Aimag for the last 18 years, recently identified large reserves. This was done in cooperation with “Mitsubishi” from Japan.