J.Batzandan, member of the Representatives Managing Council of Erdenes Tavantolgoi LLC, complained at a press conference yesterday that too much interference by politicians is affecting the company’s progress and not allowing it to work on business principles.

Technically, the company has nothing of its own as exploration licenses of the Tavantolgoi deposits are yet to be transferred to it from Erdenes Mongol. He smells a rat in this as some business groups are lobbying politicians hard to get a few changes made in the decision by Parliament that Erdenes Tavantolgoi will keep 50 percent of the eastern block of Tavan Tolgoi, and will distribute 10 percent of the shares to Mongolian citizens, sell 10 percent more to Mongolian companies, and offer 30 percent in an IPO.

He expressed surprise at the delay in the selection of the operator and the strategic investors. Since members of the Representatives Managing Council play no part in the selection proceedings, he cannot guess where the process has got stuck.  Whenever they ask, they are given a vague answer.

Batzandan said he has written to President Ts. Elbegdorj, and Prime Minister S. Batbold on issues relating to these, asking for a reply by July 1.