MP Ts.Sedvanchig (DP) has conceded
that implementation of the law prohibiting exploration and utilization of
minerals in river and forest areas has been tardy. The MP is a member of the
working group set up to review the status of the enforcement of the law that
came into effect on December 16, 2009. Local governors have been made
responsible for ascertaining and demarcating the specific boundaries of the
prohibited areas, but this work is taking much longer than expected. There has
also been little progress on resolving the issue of how compensation is to be
paid to those who will lose their licenses under the law and have already spent
money on work that now serves no purpose.

A consensus on how the compensation
amount is to be fixed is proving to be elusive even after several meetings with
those representing the mining sector. Observers have also warned against
artisanal miners occupying areas vacated by canceled licenses. These are all
legitimate concerns but the MP feels these are being fed and exaggerated by the
strong lobby of license holders who stand to be affected if the law is
enforced. The government has also not shown any keenness to expedite
implementation. All this has led to what the MP called “a conspiracy to retain
the status quo by relegating the law to limbo”.