The Government meeting yesterday decided to suspend the mining activity of 1,782 license holders in areas near river basins and forests. Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy D.Zorigt told media the total number of mining licenses is 4,000 at present. To start with 254 licenses for gold mining will be canceled. Their names will be announced in media. 

Most of the canceled licenses are in Selenge, Bulgan, Tuv, Uvurkhangai, Darkhan-Uul, Arkhangai, Bayankhongor and Khentii aimags. The largest mines are in Bayangol, near the Tumurt, and in Narantolgoi near Gatsuurt in Selenge aimag. These areas have tin, iron and  gold reserves.

Compensation claims will be assessed on the basis of taxes due and paid, expenses made, incomes received and environment reclamation dues. Asked if the areas will not see ninja mining now, Zorigt said artisanal mining is illegal, and local administrations will have to enforce the law. Ninjas can work within legal parameters once they are identified.