Yesterday ( 2^nd June 2015), the working group had a closed meeting to decide, whether to discuss “Tavan Tolgoi” in parliament or not. After the meeting, the leader of working group, Member of Parliament L.Erdenechimeg provided brief information to journalists.

-It is almost one month since the “Tavan Tolgoi” working group was formed. When is the final decision due?

– We have received most of the documentation in the past few days. There are, however three exceptions. The sub-group worked on 3000 pages of documentation and has prepared a 50 page conclusion. The first missing document is the English version of the investment contract. I do not understand why it can’t be given.  We demand this version in avoid having to the Court of Arbitration. If the Governmental Office completes all documents, the final decision will be in 2-3 days. The second missing document is Government Protocol number 268 which contains the 7 tender selection criteria for companies. In our opinion some criteria have been changed in order to favor one specific company. Therefore, we need to see who exactly has offered what kind of ideas and changes to tender criteria. The third missing document is the financial analysis of the independent experts, which the investor is demanding from us.  But we have already found this information from the internet containing reports and international analysis. Basically we will deliver the final conclusion after 3 days to the Speaker of Parliament.

The conclusion will include that the “Mongolian Railway Company” will own 51%, and must solve the Gashuun Sukhait-Ukhaa Khudag line and eastern railway issues together with the investors. Also we hope that, we can re-announce a tender for the 6 companies which were chosen in 2010. From them, we will select the most suitable company to invest in roads; and give the chosen company to exploration permission at Tavan Tolgoi.

-There is a rumor that “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” will announce a tender to own 51%. How realistic is this information?

– is not necessary for “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” to be the sole owner . The point is not whether “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” and “Energy Resource” are in this tender or not. The tender represents an open opportunity  for  every company.

– So the already existing contract, is not going to proceed?

– If Government agrees with our conclusions, this contract will be postponed. This contract has violated many legal provisions which have been approved since 2010. That is why Parliament does not need to discuss the “Tavan Tolgoi Investment Contract”.

– Do you mean “Energy Resource”, by saying ‘the tender to choose one company’?

– Yes, I meant “Energy Resource”.