J.Gavaa,
Director of Professional Monitoring Department of Gobi-Altai province, has said
all artisanal mining in the province has been stopped following clash between
ninjas and local people in which one man was killed. He answered media
questions.

Is it possible to stop
ninja mining?

It
is very difficult. Last year, we confiscated 49 metal detectors and one motor
used by hand-miners. They have moved court to get these back. Even the
prosecutors have blamed us for seizing the equipment people use to survive.
Without the power to confiscate these, all our effort will be a waste of money
and time.

How many companies are
there with exploration and exploitation licenses in Gobi-Altai?

There
are about 50 companies with exploration licenses and 10 with exploitation. Only
a few of the former actually do any work, even though they try to extend their
license every year. Their goal is to sell it for a high price later. This trade
in mining licenses must be stopped.

What about the companies
with exploitation licenses?

There
is Altain Khuder which operates an iron ore mine in Tseel soum and mines coal
in Zeegt and Khairt. Marco Polo continues to work even after being asked to stop
by the civil representatives’ assembly for operating in protected areas.

Does this mean Marco
Polo is mining without permission?

It
is prohibited by law to operate in specially protected areas. Our inspectors
have notified MPs.

What about environmental
restoration?

Nothing
like that is done in our province, but coal companies elsewhere do work on
restoration.