Lawyer O.Altangerel answers our reporter’s questions on the law prohibiting minerals exploration and exploitation in forest and river basins, that should have come into force on January 1, 2011 but is yet to be implemented.
 
What do you, as a lawyer, think of the law?

It is an example of how Parliament passes unrealistic laws without proper study and consideration. Even almost two years after the law was passed, the Government is yet to demarcate the forest and river areas it will cover, nor has it decided how much compensation will be paid. The Government would not be in this mess, if Parliament had been more cautious and less hasty. Frankly, there is no possibility of the law being implemented. It is stillborn and if it is implemented, the effects on the ecology would be catastrophic, a result the law actually seeks to avert.

Why do you say so?

The Government can cancel licenses but it cannot stop illegal miners from taking over all the areas. Mining companies pay tax and most of them do some environmental rehabilitation work but the ninja miners dig and move away.
 
What, then, should be done now?

Parliament should review provisions of the law and keep only those that a Government can effectively implement.

But what about the damage to our forests and rivers?

People who have money and are well educated can be expected to be more careful about the need to protect the environment than those without either. Also, we cannot develop or protect our independence without use of technology and resources.

How much will be the loss to the economy if the law is implemented?

Well, there will be no tax revenue from 1,700 mining companies and the Mongol Bank would buy less and less gold. The workers of the companies would be without a job in this year of employment support. That will be a blow to thousands of citizens and their families.