The Ulaanbaatar Prosecutors’ Office has declined to pursue charges against two companies accused of being responsible for “great” environmental damage in Selenge aimag. The environmental crimes division of the state investigation department accused the companies, Puraam, a Chinese firm, and Centerra Gold, a Canadian company, of causing the damage at mining sites in Selenge. But the Prosecutors’ Office says it is “unclear” that the companies were responsible for the damage, and that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the cases.

The group “Movement to Protect Rivers and Lake” is upset about the decision. The group says the damage is easy to see, and it has asked the State General Prosecutor to investigate the cases, but he has so far made no comment.

Environmental activist Ts.Munkhbayar and four others are facing charges for allegedly destroying equipment at the Puraam and Centerra sites in Selenge.