Some 700 Mongolian companies have come together to stake their claim to work in Tavantolgoi in the face of the Government’s perceived lack of support to domestic enterprises. Their union is called “Mongol 999+”. The leadership is still tentative about their course of action but believes that support from more companies would mean more openness and fairness.

They do not use the word “consortium” for their union. Every company must pay MNT 1 million to join 999+. The plan is to use the total money collected as capital for a company where all members will have shares.

The whole thing is full of risks. A great deal of money is involved and there is no clear thinking on future plans. What will happen if they are not chosen to work in the project? The authorities are certainly not happy.

Our politicians talk about revolution, but it seems the business sector is showing the way.