Yu.Gankhuyag, officer in charge of environment in Uvurkhangai
province, has said the situation in areas around Tuvkhun monastery in Bat-Ulzii
soum is now quiet. Earlier reports had spoken of clashes between civilians and
gold mining companies near the monastery, established by Zanabazar and used by
him for mediation.

Gankhuyag said the people began their protests last year
when the Gatsuurt Company planned to start work on 800 acres in Biluut where it
held a license. Protesters lay under machines to stop them from operating. The
company halted all work after Parliament had passed a law banning mining in
forest and water areas, and everything has been quiet since then.